Chef Anthony Russo’s Brings the Magic of a New York Pizzeria to Homes Across Texas

July 16, 2018

Innovative New Varieties of Handmade Premium Frozen Pizzas Now Available at Nearly 600 Grocery Stores Statewide

HOUSTON  –  Chef Anthony Russo’s  , the Texas-based retail line behind the world-famous Russo’s New York Pizzeria restaurant chain, has partnered with major grocers, including Kroger, H-E-B, and Randalls, to bring its fresh, handmade and artisanal frozen pizzas to more than 600 grocery stores in Texas. The partnerships will allow shoppers across the state to enjoy the innovative, fresh flavors synonymous with the Russo’s brand in their own homes.

Chef Anthony Russo’s  has revolutionized the frozen pizza category by delivering a great tasting and quality-driven pizza to the frozen foods aisle. The innovative creations include:

  • Chicken Rustica   – Topped with grilled white chicken, fresh Roma tomatoes, fresh spinach, feta and mozzarella cheeses, olive oil and garlic sauce.
  • Mulberry   – Made with authentic Italian sausage, perfectly spiced pepperoni, Canadian bacon, crumbled beef, mozzarella cheese and full-flavored pizza sauce.
  • Margherita   – A classic-style pizza made with fresh Roma tomatoes, basil, olive oil and premium mozzarella cheese.
  • New York-Style Cheese   – Classic New York-style thin crust cheese pizza with house-made pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning.
  • Pepperoni   – New York-style thin-crust pizza loaded with pepperoni, shredded mozzarella cheese and Chef Russo’s house-made sauce.
  • Greek Pizza   – Fresh spinach, juicy Roma tomatoes, Italian black olives, fresh feta and mozzarella cheeses, garlic and extra virgin olive oil.

 

“Frozen pizza shouldn’t compromise flavor, which is why we prepare our products by hand using the same quality, ingredients and methods as we do in our restaurants,” said Chef Anthony Russo, founder and CEO of Russo’s Restaurants and the creative mastermind for the retail line. “Our recent partnerships with the largest grocers in Texas allow us to bring the unmistakable, better-tasting Russo’s pizza experience to the homes of our lifelong fans and neighbors. We want to make great pizza available to all and these partnerships allow us to do just that.”

Chef Anthony Russo’s  products offer diverse and extraordinary flavors, reflecting the brand’s commitment to delivering top-of-the-line frozen pizza with fresh (never pre-frozen), high-quality restaurant-grade ingredients. The pizzas contain no additives, preservatives, artificial flavors, nitrates, rSBT or rennet. Handcrafted with Russo’s family recipe since 1978, each pizza uses premium 100 percent mozzarella cheese, Chef Anthony’s sauce made with fresh-packed Roma tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil imported from the Russo family olive grove in Sicily.

Each of the New York-style pizzas, all of which are gluten-free, is handcrafted with the finest ingredients to ensure quality that lives up to the Russo Family Promise. They were perfected over a span of six months in Chef Anthony’s private kitchen, which included crafting a great tasting authentic, New York-style crust that is unmatched in quality.  Chef Anthony Russo’s  commitment to quality will not only delight consumers, it also positions the brand to revolutionize the frozen foods space.

While Chef Anthony’s desire to provide gluten-free options to diners is evident, he also has a true passion for supporting the Celiac community. Celiac disease, the inherited autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive process of the small intestine, affects 1 in 133 people making United States the largest gluten-free market globally.

Russo’s is responding to the demand for gluten-free products with a variety of frozen pizzas – the same pizzas made from high-quality ingredients that are sold in its more than 45 restaurants worldwide – that far exceed the quality of your everyday frozen pizza, and any other gluten-free pizza found in the frozen section of grocery stores. With six delicious pizza options – some vegetarian – there’s something for everyone.

Chef Anthony Russo’s  all natural, gluten-free pizza has been called one of the “Cleanest Packaged Foods” by  Prevention Magazine. Additionally,  Muscle and Fitness   Magazine  named it as the “Nutrition Edge Food of the Month.”

A family-owned business since 1978, Chef Russo’s recipes are handcrafted, authentic and personal to his Italian roots. The Russo’s family promise, “If it isn’t fresh, don’t serve it,” has been at the heart of Russo’s New York Pizzeria, the restaurant concept Chef Anthony Russo first opened more than 25 years ago and is now successfully franchising globally.

Russo’s Restaurants is a national and international franchisor of the fast casual dining brand Russo’s New York Pizzeria. Based in Houston, Russo’s Restaurants is composed of a mix of corporate and franchised locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida and Hawaii. Russo’s has entered international markets as well, with locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates.

For more details, visit  www.russosretail.com.

 

About Chef Anthony Russo’s Retail

Chef Anthony Russo’s retail products reflect the brand’s authentic Italian roots and passion for freshness and quality. Available at more than 3,000 retailers nationwide, including Kroger TX, H-E-B, Ingles, Smart and Final, Alberstons TX, Fairways Market, and Randall’s, Chef Anthony Russo’s all natural, gluten-free pizza has been called one of the “Cleanest Packaged Foods” by  Prevention Magazine. Chef Anthony Russo perfected his New York-style, thin crust gluten-free recipe over a span of two years using the finest and freshest Italian ingredients.

For more information and to find products near you, visit  www.russosretail.com.

May 28, 2026
Today’s guests are paying closer attention to what they eat. They still want pizza, pasta, and classic Italian food, but they also want better ingredients, fresh preparation, lighter choices, and meals that do not feel overly processed. That is why Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is becoming a stronger choice for guests searching for a healthier pizza chain, healthy pizza options, and fresh Italian food made with real ingredients. We operate in the United States and internationally, but the kitchen philosophy has stayed simple. Fresh dough, scratch made sauces, premium ingredients, family recipes, and made to order Italian food come first. Founded by Chef Anthony Russo, the brand was built on authentic New York style pizza and Italian cooking inspired by recipes passed through generations. Instead of relying on frozen shortcuts, Russo’s focuses on fresh daily prep, clean ingredient choices, and real flavor. A Healthier Pizza Chain Starts With Better Ingredients A healthier pizza does not mean removing everything people love about pizza. It starts with how the food is made. At Russo’s, the pizza starts with house made dough prepared fresh daily using premium all natural flour. The sauce is made in house. Fresh mozzarella, fresh garlic, herbs, vegetables, and extra virgin olive oil are used throughout the kitchen. That matters because many guests today are reading labels and asking better questions. They want to know what is in their food, how it is prepared, and whether the restaurant uses fresh ingredients or heavily processed shortcuts. Russo’s gives guests a better way to enjoy New York style pizza without losing the taste, comfort, or quality they expect. Fresh Pizza, Pasta, and Italian Food Made Daily Russo’s menu is built around fresh preparation. The kitchen uses scratch made marinara sauce, slow simmered meat sauce, house made dressings, fresh salads, premium beef, all natural chicken, seafood, and brick oven pizza made fresh to order. The menu also includes pasta dishes, chicken entrées, seafood pasta, salads, calzones, and Italian classics prepared with traditional cooking methods. This gives guests more than one way to enjoy a meal. They can choose a fresh pizza, a salad with protein, grilled salmon, chicken, seafood, pasta, or a lighter Italian entrée based on what fits their appetite. Healthier Pizza Options Without Losing Flavor For guests looking for healthy pizza options, Russo’s focuses on freshness, quality, and customization. Guests can enjoy hand stretched New York style pizza with fresh toppings, premium mozzarella, scratch made sauce, and brick oven baking. They can also choose gluten free options, lighter toppings, fresh vegetables, salads, or protein focused menu items when available by location. The goal is not to turn pizza into diet food. The goal is to serve pizza made with better ingredients and fewer shortcuts. That is what makes Russo’s different from many large chain pizza restaurants. Better Choices for GLP 1 and Wellness Focused Guests More guests are now thinking about portion control, protein intake, fresh vegetables, and balanced meals. This has become even more common as GLP 1 lifestyle habits and wellness focused dining continue to grow. Russo’s menu naturally gives guests more flexibility. A guest may want a smaller portion, a salad, grilled chicken, seafood, fresh vegetables, or a protein balanced Italian meal. Another guest may want authentic brick oven pizza made with fresh dough and real ingredients. Both guests can find something that works for them. That is why Russo’s can be positioned as a healthier pizza and Italian restaurant choice for modern diners who still want comfort food made better. Authentic Italian Food With Family Recipes Russo’s is not only a pizza restaurant. It is an Italian restaurant built around Chef Anthony Russo’s family recipes, fresh ingredients, and scratch cooking. The menu includes New York style pizza, fresh pasta, seafood dishes, chicken entrées, salads, calzones, and Italian comfort food made with care. Many of these recipes come from Italian family traditions. That gives the food a more personal story and helps guests understand why Russo’s focuses on fresh preparation instead of mass produced shortcuts. A Healthier Pizza and Italian Restaurant Choice Across the USA and Beyond Russo’s serves guests across the United States and internationally. Even with national and global operations, the brand continues to focus on fresh dough, made to order pizza, scratch made sauces, and authentic Italian recipes. For guests searching for the healthiest pizza choice, a healthy pizza chain, fresh Italian food, or a family friendly Italian restaurant, Russo’s offers a menu built around better ingredients and more flexible choices. Guests can dine in, order takeout, schedule pizza delivery, plan catering, enjoy lunch specials, or visit their nearest Russo’s location for fresh New York style pizza and Italian food. Fresh Choices Guests Can Order at Russo’s Russo’s menu gives guests several fresh and balanced options, including brick oven New York style pizza, fresh salads, grilled chicken dishes, seafood entrées, salmon, chicken Saltimbocca, burrata salads, pasta dishes, calzones, and classic Italian entrées. Guests can also customize many menu items based on appetite, preference, and lifestyle. This helps make Russo’s a strong choice for families, office lunches, group meals, takeout nights, and guests who want Italian food made with fresh ingredients. Find your nearest Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen location and enjoy fresh New York style pizza, scratch made pasta, salads, seafood, and authentic Italian entrées made with better ingredients. Frequently Asked Questions Why is Russo’s considered a healthier pizza chain? Russo’s focuses on fresh ingredients, house made pizza dough, scratch made sauces, premium olive oil, fresh vegetables, and made to order Italian food instead of relying heavily on frozen or overly processed ingredients. Does Russo’s serve healthy pizza options? Yes. Guests can choose fresh vegetable toppings, lighter pizza options, salads, grilled chicken dishes, seafood entrées, gluten free options at select locations, and customizable menu items based on their preferences. What type of pizza does Russo’s serve? Russo’s is known for authentic New York style pizza baked in a brick oven using hand stretched dough, premium mozzarella, scratch made sauce, and fresh toppings. Is Russo’s only a pizza restaurant? No. Russo’s is also an Italian restaurant serving fresh pasta, seafood dishes, salads, calzones, chicken entrées, catering options, lunch specials, and family style Italian meals. Does Russo’s operate outside the United States? Yes. Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen operates across the United States and internationally while continuing to focus on fresh ingredients, scratch cooking, and authentic Italian family recipes.
May 25, 2026
Russo’s NY Pizzeria has long been known in Houston for New York-style pizza, casual Italian favorites, and a welcoming dining experience. According to a CultureMap Houston article, the Russo name is now connected to a new restaurant concept called Anthony’s New York Italian, which quietly opened with a more refined approach to Italian dining. While Russo’s NY Pizzeria remains a go-to spot for pizza, pasta, calzones, and family meals, Anthony’s introduces a more elevated side of the brand. Anthony’s New York Italian appears to offer a more elegant and personal restaurant experience compared to the fast casual style Russo’s is best known for. Instead of focusing primarily on quick, casual New York-style pies, the new restaurant creates a setting better suited for date nights, special occasions, and guests looking for a more polished Italian dining atmosphere. The concept gives the Russo brand a chance to showcase a more upscale interpretation of New York Italian food while still staying connected to the recipes and hospitality that made Russo’s recognizable. For fans of Russo’s NY Pizzeria, the quiet opening of Anthony’s New York Italian is an exciting step forward. It shows how the brand continues to grow beyond its well-known pizzeria roots while still honoring classic Italian flavors. With a more elevated and elegant dining experience, Anthony’s New York Italian adds another layer to the Russo story and gives Houston diners a new way to enjoy the flavors of New York Italian cuisine.  Source: CultureMap Houston https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/popular-stories-betelgeuse-betelgeuse-arrest/
May 25, 2026
Russo’s NY Pizzeria is getting attention for one of its most satisfying Italian favorites: the calzone. A recent Chowhound article highlighting impressive chain restaurant calzones points to the continued popularity of this classic folded pizza-style dish, and Russo’s NY Pizzeria is a natural fit for the conversation. Known for New York-style pizza, fresh ingredients, and hearty Italian menu options, Russo’s offers calzones that deliver the kind of comfort food experience guests expect from an authentic neighborhood pizzeria. A great calzone starts with the right balance of dough, cheese, fillings, and flavor. At Russo’s NY Pizzeria, calzones are made with the same Italian-inspired approach that has helped the brand become recognized for its pizza and pasta. Each calzone gives guests a warm, baked, handheld meal filled with rich cheese and savory ingredients, making it a great choice for lunch, dinner, takeout, or a casual family meal. For customers who love pizza but want something a little different, a calzone offers the perfect mix of crispy crust, melted cheese, and classic Italian flavor. As more diners search for flavorful alternatives to traditional pizza, Russo’s NY Pizzeria calzones continue to stand out as a filling and memorable menu option. Whether ordered on their own or paired with other Italian favorites, they reflect what Russo’s does best: serving approachable, satisfying New York-style Italian food with quality and consistency. For anyone craving a hearty calzone from a trusted pizzeria, Russo’s NY Pizzeria remains a delicious place to start. Source: Chowhound https://www.chowhound.com/2173521/impressive-chain-calzones/
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