Franchising Magnate Jeff Moosa Adds Russo’s Restaurants to Portfolio; Acquires Richardson Location

July 13, 2018

Deal Signed with Prominent Restaurateur Zafar “Jeff” Moosa   to Expand Brand’s Texas Footprint

RICHARDSON, Texas  – Russo’s Restaurants announced today a development deal with distinguished franchising entrepreneur Zafar “Jeff” Moosa. Backed with more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant franchising industry, Moosa adds the Russo’s name to his portfolio through the acquisition of the Richardson, Texas Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, located at 700 E Campbell Rd. Through the agreement, he will also significantly expand Russo’s Restaurants’ Texas footprint across Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio.

Chef Anthony Russo, the brand’s creative culinary mind, founder and CEO of Russo’s Restaurants, the multi-brand franchisor of both Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen and Russo’s New York Pizzeria, inked the agreement with Moosa. Moosa’s restaurant franchise investments and operations also include several Taco Bell, Captain D’s and Golden Chick locations. He’s also a former franchisee of Jack in the box and Church’s Chicken.

“Our current pace of growth in Texas – and beyond – is unprecedented for our brands,” said Russo, who has 40 years of culinary expertise featuring fresh, homemade Italian cuisine using family recipes. “With Jeff’s business acumen behind the Russo’s brand, we are equipped to introduce our concepts to more families, friends and business associates. In addition to Jeff’s recent investment, we’re seeing tremendous interest and growth this year with franchising partners in the U.S. and internationally.”

Russo’s Restaurants offers a rare franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs like Moosa interested in proven brands that are entirely chef driven. Beyond consumer convenience, Russo’s is leading the Italian dining category by creating a business model that offers:

  • A smaller footprint (1,500 – 3,500 sq. ft.) for less overhead
  • A low-cost entry into the restaurant business with an initial investment starting around $395,000 in select markets
  • A focus on fresh ingredients to subtract additional supply costs for preservatives and packaging, and also to meet consumer’s demand for quality food
  • Online ordering, takeout and free delivery options for added customer value

Recently, Chef Anthony shook up the restaurant industry and strengthened his brands’ franchise opportunity by introducing the “Next Generation Pizza & Italian” restaurant model–ideal for on-the-go diners looking for authentic Italian cuisine at shopping malls, strip centers and airports.

The restaurant design and environment blends the freshness of a fine Italian restaurant with the magic created around a homemade Italian meal. Plus, the unique, open kitchen design and one-of-a-kind pizza bar provides guests with the chance to enjoy watching Russo’s chefs prepare their hand-tossed pizzas and homemade meals fresh from scratch and to take in the aromas of authentic Italian cooking.

Moosa continues Russo’s initiative to open dozens of locations across Texas. The family-focused original Italian concept has established itself as a Texas-favorite through its growing presence across the state, especially in large cities such as Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas. In 2018, the brand’s key development focus in Texas is on the Dallas and Fort Worth territories in addition to three in-state openings, one in Austin and two in Houston. For more information on Russo’s available territories in Texas, please visit the link below.

Beyond Texas, the brand also has a U.S. franchising focus throughout key markets including Florida, the Northeast and the middle section of the country. Internationally, key growth territories include the Middle East, Asia and Western Europe.

To learn more about the Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen in Richardson, visit  https://russosrichardson.com. For more on Russo’s franchise development opportunities, visit  https://russosfranchise.com  , or call Chef Anthony Russo at (832) 477-7597.

About Russo’s Restaurants

Russo’s Restaurants is a national and international franchisor of the fast casual and casual dining brands Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen. Based in Houston, Russo’s Restaurants is composed of a mix of corporate and franchised locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Florida. Russo’s has entered international markets as well, with locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates. Chef Anthony Russo created Russo’s Restaurants by applying his unique, family recipes featuring New York-style pizza, and by developing a broad variety of handcrafted pasta dishes, calzones, salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts. At its heart, Russo’s Restaurants reflects Chef Anthony’s commitment to his New York roots where food and family come first. To learn more about Russo’s franchise development opportunities in the Middle East, visit  www.russosfranchise.com.

Person cuts a pizza with various toppings using a pizza cutter on a metal tray.
By Russo's NY Pizzeria February 26, 2026
Pizza is one of the most popular foods in America, but not all pizza is created equal. While national chains offer convenience and familiarity, authentic Italian pizza delivers a completely different experience. From ingredients to preparation to flavor, the difference is noticeable from the first bite. At Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen, we […] The post The Difference Between Chain Pizza and Authentic Italian Pizza appeared first on Russo's New York Pizzeria.
Various pasta dishes in black bowls, plus soup and salad, on a table.
By Russo's NY Pizzeria February 13, 2026
When it comes to hosting an event, food is one of the biggest factors in how guests remember the experience. Whether you are planning an office lunch, a birthday celebration, a graduation party, or a family gathering, choosing the right catering option can make planning easier and the event more enjoyable for everyone. That is […] The post Planning a Party? Why Italian Catering Is Always a Crowd Pleaser appeared first on Russo's New York Pizzeria.
Three pizzas on a wooden table in a restaurant. The closest pizza has pepperoni and sausage.
By Russo's NY Pizzeria January 27, 2026
Italian cuisine has always been about more than just food. It’s about family, tradition, and coming together around the table to share a meal made with care. At Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen, those values are at the heart of everything we do, from the recipes we use to the way we welcome […] The post Celebrating Family, Food, and Italian Tradition at Russo’s appeared first on Russo's New York Pizzeria.
Show More