Pizza Franchising – The Common Questions

May 30, 2017

The Russo’s Franchise Team was in high demand at the Franchise Expo at NRG Park in Houston May 20 – 21.

The two-day event is one of the largest in our home city designed to present franchise business opportunities to entrepreneurs. The team hosted a constant stream of visitors at our booth interested in learning about the pizzeria business.

And we had a lot of great news to tell them – how Nation’s Restaurant News named us one of the Top 20 Emerging Brands in 2016, how our food and labor costs are some of the lowest in the industry, and how we use the best ingredients to make our foods fresh, homemade every day.

And then there was our most exciting news – our latest store model that is a perfect fit for malls, strip centers and airports. It offers a smaller venue (1,200 to 1,500-square feet) with fast-paced counter service, and dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering. Three store models, four revenue streams and we offer some of the freshest food around. It made for great convention conversation.

But the best thing about these shows is the many questions we’re asked. Whether we’re in Houston or Timbuktu, some questions are universal.

Here are some of our most common questions answered. If you’d like more information about a Russo’s franchise opportunity, be sure to check out our website at RussosFranchise.com.

What makes Russo’s different?

We don’t do things the old-fashioned way. We make everything fresh in our stores daily. Fresh pizza dough, never frozen. Made from scratch sauce, fresh toppings, fresh dishes. Customers realize it when they taste our menu items and New York-style pizza, and that’s what keeps them coming back.

How much money am I going to make?

Whether it’s the first question or not, this one always seems to work its way into the conversation. And we get it. It’s an important one to get answered. Our return on investment is phenomenal for the industry – and you can find all the financial details on RussosFranchise.com. Our stores offer four different revenue streams – dine-in, takeout, delivery and catering. When you combine that with our updated designs for our stores and our authentic, chef-inspired cuisine, it drives success.

How much is Chef Russo involved in the business?

Chef Russo is hands on, but we also allow our franchisees to run their own business too. He’s always looking for new sources for the freshest products we can use to make our menu items. He travels to Italy every year to learn about the latest on olive oil production and other innovations in cooking. He’s the creative mind – all our recipes come from him. He stays in touch with all our franchisees to hear about what’s happening in the stores so he can help them. And they all know they can call him anytime.

My family has a great recipe for gumbo, fried fish, steak, coffee cake (fill in the blank here) and if I open a Russo’s I’d like to add it to the menu.

No one is more appreciative of family recipes than we are – some of ours are 100 years old. So we’re always respectful when asked something like this. But the answer’s always the same. We’re not looking to expand our menu in this way. We pride ourselves in authentic New York-style pizza and fresh, homemade Italian from recipes handed down in the Russo family for more than a century. That’s what our customers expect and that’s what we’re going to be making.

If I can find a cheaper source for cheese and other products to make the pizza can I substitute it?

Another one where we respect the question, but the answer is always the same. We have a motto at Russo’s – “If it isn’t fresh, don’t serve it.” To make a true New York-style crust you need the right flour, not a cheaper substitute. The tomatoes for our homemade pizza sauce are grown in California, our pizzas are topped with mozzarella cheese from a Wisconsin dairy farm. Our fresh, real ingredient make our dishes have the highest quality with the best flavor. So, no, we’re not going to change that with lesser ingredients.

How much money do I need to have to open a Russo’s?

The second most popular money question we are asked. The answer again varies on which restaurant model you are interested in. RussosFranchise.com has all the information, including our financial details, which is where we direct people for the information. That’s also where you can contact us for more information.

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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