News

Russo's signs 5-store franchise deal for Houston

Photo: iStock

August 19, 2020

Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen will work with franchisees, Randall and Ayesha McCoy, to open five "smaller-footprint locations" in the greater Houston area, a news release said.

"I remember grating mozzarella cheese, making fresh pizza dough and leaving the restaurant covered in flour," Randall McCoy said in the press release about his earlier experience working at the brand in 1985. "So when I sat down to visit a Russo's after many years, the aromas of the pizza and pasta immediately took me back to those days."

President and Chef Anthony Russo said the Houston stores will offer dine-in, home delivery, catering, takeout and curbside pick up.

"Our new 1500- to 1800(-square-foot store) is designed for our franchisees to capitalize on the growing home delivery segment," he said. "This means that this is the best time for you to start your own pizza franchise. Pizza not only is surviving, it is thriving."

Russo's average store investment ranges from $350,000 to $895,000, and qualified candidates must have at least $200,000 in liquid capital, the release said.

Russo's has 50 corporate and franchised locations in Texas, Oklahoma and Florida but has entered international markets as well, with stores in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.