It Started In the Russo Family Kitchen
The son of first-generation Italian immigrants, Chef Anthony Russo
grew up in a New Jersey home where the kitchen was the center of
family life. There was always cooking and baking at home, and many
of the ingredients came from the family garden - just as his
Grandpa and Nonna Russo did back in Avellino, Italy.
These experiences stuck with young Anthony as his family moved to
Galveston, Texas in 1978. His father opened Russo's Italian
Restaurant, which quickly became a local favorite. Just like that,
Anthony found a second home in the restaurant kitchen. By the age
of 12, he was learning family recipes from relatives who flew in
from Naples and Sicily each summer. Making pizza and scachatta (a
stuffed pizza similar to a calzone) became a passion.
The Entrepreneur Emerges
After earning his Chef's distinction, Anthony opened his first
pizza restaurant at the young age of 18. Shortly after, he opened
"Anthony's Pizzeria" in Clear Lake, Texas. A move to Houston
brought "Caf? Anthony," then the upscale Italian restaurant "Russo
Caf? Anthony." In 1992, Russo's New York Pizzeria opened, and
proved a model for success. From there, the Russo's franchising
experience began.
Like his father, Chef Anthony created a loyal, almost cult-like
following. Nowhere else in Houston could people find authentic New
York-style pizza. The family recipe for hand-tossed dough, sauce
made from freshly crushed California tomatoes and imported Italian
cheese blends harmonized to perfection. Always the pioneer, Chef
Anthony was among the first in Houston to use a coal-fired brick
oven. The bubbling of the crust, the flavors of a well-used oven,
the preparation of pure ingredients - it was unrivaled, as it is
today.
Sharing Our Love of Food
When your customers visit a Russo's restaurant, it's truly like
eating at Chef Russo's family table in Italy. Every menu item is
made fresh, from authentic Russo family recipes, using all natural
ingredients. From homemade pizza sauce, salad dressing and soup to
fresh-baked breads and handcrafted pizza dough.
We don't believe in pre-made meals.
- If we can't make it fresh, we don't serve it.
- Our menu items are unique and full of fresh flavors, giving you
a competitive edge over other franchise brands.
- Every recipe originated from Sicily and Naples Italy before
1942.
- Unlike many pizza franchise concepts, we work directly with
dairy farms, wineries, flourmills, tomato growers and an olive oil
producer, giving you hands-on buying power.
- We import our goods straight from the source, so no matter
where on the globe your restaurant is located, we can supply you
with the same exact product.
- Russo's team will continue to provide authentic family recipes
and the skills needed to remain true to the rich and flavorful
Italian cuisine.
- Through our collective efforts, our brand vision: "Giving the
world the opportunity to sit at Russo's table" will continue to be
realized.