DON’T FALL FLAT

October 1, 2014

KEEP TABS ON YOUR FLATWARE COUNT

Noble Pie Parlor in Reno, Nevada, stays open until 5 a.m. on weekends, and that means one thing: the flatware is going to disappear.

“In Reno the bars don’t close, technically,” says co-owner Trevor Leppek. “We are serving pizza to customers who don’t realize there is a fork and knife on their plate and these get thrown in the garbage.”

Also the dishwashing staff, swamped with the late evening rush, might inadvertently throw out forks and knives when they discard food and other trash from bus tubs. No one has the time, or presumably the desire, to reach into the trash can to retrieve errant pieces intended for the dishwasher, so Leppek does two things. He reorders flatware every three months, a task made slightly easier by his vendor’s online reordering option. Leppek also communicates with workers through Noble Pie’s private, employees-only Facebook page.

“We use it for various things such as covering shifts, or informing the staff we lost this much glassware or flatware this weekend,” he says. “We are reminding them, ‘I know it seems insignificant to you because you’re not paying $80 to $100 every three months.’ “Operators have to budget for flatware just as they do plates, glasses and other small items that are lost due to employee haste, general breakage or customer theft. It is another line item in a long list of things that must be reordered occasionally.

Leppek does not think customers are stealing flatware. They steal the cheese shakers, he says, but that’s because the Parmesan is of high quality. “Our flatware is very simple looking,” he says. “They might think it’s funny to steal silverware, or their friends dare them, but they take the pint glasses more often.”

There is one exception and customers do seem to take home one small item. With Saturday and Sunday brunch Noble Pie Parlor offers a “Build Your Own Bloody Mary.” The setup includes pickled items, salt and pepper, horseradish, and other ingredients, and tiny forks and spoons to scoop these items. “We lose those,” Leppek says. “I think people think, ‘Oh that’s cute.’ ”

Other customers have much loftier targets. At 60-seat Blue Planet Grill in New York City, the steak knives often disappear. Owner Jacob Krumgalz says the three-year-old restaurant and pizza bar is located near Ground Zero, so the place is popular. He is too busy to watch all the customers, and he never sees people actually take the knives. “If we did see it we would call the cops, but we haven’t seen it,” he says. “We just see when they leave there is no knife on the table.”

Krumgalz says 80 percent of the clientele are tourists. They might be looking for souvenirs, as the regular forks and knives disappear, too. He buys a dozen forks and knives twice a year. “You have to keep at least three times your seating capacity in stock,” he says. “You don’t have time to wait for the flatware to get washed.”

Greg Ossege, a CPA and business advisor at Ossege Combs & Mann, Ltd., in Cincinnati, says when budgeting for flatware, expect to pay $275 per 200 seats when opening the restaurant. An operator will likely have to reorder a few times per year, and end up spending 15 to 25 percent of that amount for replacement cost. Ossege says that there is not much an operator can do about loss. “It is probably not worth the time to search through the trash,” he says. “Proactively though, use better training and supervision if the problem becomes severe.” He says some places use magnets on the trashcans to attract the metal forks and knives, saving them from being discarded.

That’s exactly what the 35-location Russo’s Restaurants does, says Anthony Russo, owner and founder of the Houston-based franchise. The restaurants, which include Russo’s New York Pizzeria, a fast-casual pizzeria franchise, and Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, a full-service Italian restaurant franchise, have magnets on the trash cans. “We also only put one set of silverware per guest, as opposed to a ‘grab your own silverware’ area, at the tables,” Russo says. “These methods have been effective in reducing loss.”

The restaurants order flatware every two years, or when supplies get low. The orders are mostly dinner forks, dinner knives, and pasta spoons. “We don’t have much specialty silverware,” Russo says. Depending on the location size, the units spend about $2,000 to $4,000.

Al Dente Ristorante, which is located in Washington, D.C., and happens to have a fork and knife in its logo, checks its flatware inventory frequently. “You should count your silverware every 45 days,” says media manager Angie Duran. “To avoid losing pairs, you should try setting up a system for the bus boys to return all silverware to correct places throughout their shift.”

METAL OR PLASTIC?

People say “silverware” but of course they mean “flatware” or “tableware,” or forks, knives and spoons that are generally made of stainless steel or plastic. When choosing a stainless steel set, an operator usually has the option of 18/10 or 18/0. The numbers refer to the percentage of chromium and nickel content. The 18/10 option has 18-percent chromium and 10-percent nickel, and is shiny, rust resistant, and durable. The 18/0 has 18 percent chromium and zero percent nickel, and has a softer shine, is more economical and is subject to staining.

For some, the choice comes down to how the flatware looks. Trevor Leppek, co-owner of Noble Pie Parlor in Reno, Nevada, says he prefers a matte finish because the shiny finish shows scratches. Also a water spot makes a shiny and otherwise clean utensil look dirty. He does not want to switch to plastic. “Plastic ware is wasteful,” Leppek says. “We try to be as green as possible.”

Some plastic ware can be recycled, but it depends on the capabilities of the local recycling program. Check with your local entity. There is also biodegradable or compostable flatware made of corn. Those cost more, but they send your customers a message about your environmental friendliness.

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Why Russo’s Is a Healthier Pizza Chain and Italian Restaurant Choice

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.

Russo’s Quietly Opens Anthony’s New York Italian, an Elevated Houston Dining Experience

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/

Russo’s NY Pizzeria Calzones Earn Attention for Big Flavor and Classic Italian Comfort

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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