Russo’s History

Where Old-World Italian Meets New York

Chef Anthony Russo, son of Italian immigrants, grew up cooking family recipes in New Jersey. By 12, he was making pizzas by hand. Inspired by his father’s Galveston restaurant, he opened his first pizzeria in the ’80s and later brought authentic New York-style pizza to Houston. In 1992, Russo’s New York Pizzeria was born—launching a thriving franchise– and has grown to 50+ locations across the world.

Open a Russo's location in your community

Family posing on a dock with a life preserver that reads
Russo's Seafood Restaurant with palm trees, green roof

1978

The Russo family moves to Galveston, Texas

His father opens Russo’s Italian Restaurant, which quickly became a local favorite.

1984

At a young age, he was learning family recipes from relatives who flew in from Naples and Sicily each summer. 

Two men stand near a green three-wheeled vehicle.
Group of people cutting a yellow ribbon at the grand opening of Cafe Anthony's Italian restaurant.
Russo's New York Pizzeria storefront. Beige building with red logo, black trim, large windows, and palm trees.
Two men in black shirts hold a giant pizza in a restaurant setting.

1999

Chef Russo Launches

Russo's New York Pizzeria

The first Russo's pizza franchise opens in Houston, Texas.

2012

First International Pizza Franchise in Dubai

Russo's expands to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Phillipines and continues to grow.

People cutting a ribbon to celebrate the opening of Russo's New York Pizzeria. The setting appears to be inside the restaurant.
Four men holding a large pizza in front of a Russo's XL Pizza sign.
A man and woman stand between rows of aging cheese wheels in a cheese cellar.
Chef holding two pizzas, surrounded by many dishes on a table in a restaurant. The chef is smiling, the setting is warm.

2024

Staying True to the Russo Family Promise

Chef Russo continues to grow his Pizzeria and Italian resturant by staying true to the family traditions that play a role in every aspect of the business.

Own a Russo's Pizza Franchise

Looking for a profitable pizza franchise opportunity? Russo’s offers entrepreneurs a turnkey pizza franchise with authentic New York-style pizza, comprehensive training, and ongoing operational support to help you grow a successful restaurant business.