Established
1998
Franchise Units
50
Minimum Investment
$500,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$900,000
Home Based
No
Description
Russo's New York Pizzeria is a well-established, fast-casual Italian restaurant brand known for delivering authentic New York-style pizza, classic Italian comfort food, and a consistent guest experience across the United States. Built on old-world family recipes and a modern operating system, the brand has carved out a strong position in the highly competitive pizza and Italian dining segment.
What sets Russo’s apart is its commitment to authenticity. Dough is made fresh daily, sauces are prepared in-house using imported ingredients, and pizzas are baked to order following traditional New York methods. The menu extends well beyond pizza, featuring calzones, pastas, sandwiches, salads, and Italian favorites that drive repeat visits and diversified revenue streams.
From urban downtown locations to suburban neighborhoods, Russo’s New York Pizzeria has proven its ability to adapt to different markets while maintaining brand consistency. The franchise model is designed for scalability, offering franchisees a recognizable brand, streamlined operations, and a strong support system—making it an attractive opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter or expand within the foodservice industry in the USA.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Russo’s New York Pizzeria stands out as a compelling franchise investment for several reasons:
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Authentic, Differentiated Concept – True New York-style pizza and Italian recipes resonate strongly with American consumers seeking quality and authenticity.
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Established Brand Recognition – Over two decades of brand development with a loyal customer base.
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Scalable Restaurant Model – Designed to perform in dine-in, takeout, and delivery-focused markets.
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Strong Unit Economics – Balanced menu pricing, efficient kitchen layout, and multiple revenue channels.
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Growing Demand for Pizza & Italian Cuisine – One of the most resilient and popular food categories in the U.S. restaurant industry.
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Experienced Leadership & Systems – A franchisor with proven operational, training, and marketing processes.
Background
Established Year: 1998
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Founder: Tony Russo
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Industry Category: Pizza Franchise / Italian Restaurant Franchise
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Headquarters: Houston, Texas, USA
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Franchise Active Units: 50+ locations across the United States
Russo’s New York Pizzeria was founded in 1998 by Tony Russo, drawing inspiration from his family’s Italian heritage and traditional New York pizza craftsmanship. What began as a single neighborhood pizzeria quickly gained popularity for its quality ingredients, generous portions, and consistent taste.
As demand grew, the brand expanded beyond company-owned locations into franchising, allowing entrepreneurs across the U.S. to replicate the concept. Over the years, Russo’s refined its menu, supply chain, and restaurant design while staying true to its core promise—authentic Italian food made the right way.
Support Training
Russo’s New York Pizzeria offers comprehensive support designed to guide franchisees from initial onboarding through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and territory evaluation
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Restaurant layout, design, and kitchen workflow planning
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Vendor sourcing and supply chain setup
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Assistance with permits, licenses, and pre-opening requirements
Training Program
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Hands-on training at certified training locations
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Food preparation, quality control, and recipe execution
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POS systems, inventory management, and cost controls
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Staff hiring, training, and scheduling best practices
Operational Support
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Standardized operating procedures and manuals
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Ongoing operational audits and performance reviews
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Menu updates and product innovation support
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Access to experienced franchise support managers
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and local marketing strategy guidance
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Grand opening marketing plans
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Digital marketing, online ordering, and delivery integration
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Brand assets, promotional materials, and campaign support
This structured support system allows franchisees to focus on execution while benefiting from proven systems and ongoing franchisor involvement.
Ideal Candidate
Russo’s New York Pizzeria is best suited for motivated entrepreneurs who value quality, consistency, and customer experience.
Ideal candidates typically include:
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Multi-unit operators or first-time franchisees with strong management skills
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Investors with restaurant, hospitality, or retail experience
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Owner-operators passionate about food and guest satisfaction
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Business owners capable of hands-on leadership or team oversight
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Individuals with sufficient capital and a long-term growth mindset
Preferred locations include high-traffic urban areas, suburban neighborhoods, mixed-use developments, and delivery-friendly trade zones. Franchisees should be committed to upholding brand standards while actively engaging in local community marketing.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $500,000 – $900,000 |
| Minimum Investment / Net Worth | $250,000+ |
| Initial Franchise Fee | ~$35,000 |
| Build-Out & Equipment | $300,000 – $550,000 |
| Marketing & Grand Opening | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Working Capital | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~6% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fund Contribution | ~2% of gross sales |
