YOU’LL SPARE NO EXPENSE FOR FINAL FOUR EXPERIENCE

March 31, 2016

Visitors likely to find ‘premium factor’ in trip to Houston will set them back.

Lobby with a large Final Four banner featuring a basketball team. Several people stand near the entrance and check-in desks. An escalator is in the foreground.

Of all the cities hosting March Madness games this year, Houston, which opens its doors to the men’s NCAA basketball Final Four on Saturday, will set ticketholders back the most money. But lest anyone think Houston suddenly has turned into Dubai on the Bayou, the numbers tell a slightly different story.

“The issue in Houston is hotel expense,” said Ken Robinson of Runzheimer International, a business management consulting company that crunched thenumbers and pegged the cost of a three-star-or-better hotel room within five miles of the city center at about $375 a night, more expensive than normal because of the Final Four.

“A premium factor is applied,” Robinson explained. “It’s scarcity and supply and demand.”

Frankly, a Final Four city in the heat of the tournament is just going to be more expensive than a first-round city, because that first round is less prestigious and the cities – think Des Moines, Iowa, or Providence, R.I. – often are smaller.

The good news? In general, meals and gas are cheaper here, according to Runzheimer. Beer (domestic, at a restaurant) is a steal here at $4.02, compared with $4.61 in Anaheim, Calif. A latte costs about $3.45, compared with $4.75 in Chicago. Gasoline is 43 cents a gallon cheaper than in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Generally, Oklahoma City offered the biggest basketball bargain this year,Robinson said. (But a good Texan will tell you it really ought to.)

In normal times, Houston is only in the top 20 most expensive cities, Robinson said. But these are not normal times.

BIG FAN BASE CRUCIAL

Houston businesses are girded for the crush. For hotels, the frenzy surged once teams were decided.

Staff at the Westin Galleria and the Westin Oaks knew ahead of time that they would be an official team and fan hotel, respectively. University of Oklahoma alumni associations and other groups began calling as soon as the Sooners’ berth was decided, said John Oakley, sales and marketing director.

The hotel lucked out with OU, since the nerve center of its fan base is just ahalfday’s drive away, on Interstates 35 and 45.

“It’s crucial,” Oakley said. “You really want a team that’s got a big fan base and a traveling fan base.”

The Four Seasons Hotel near Discovery Green – where the March Madness Music Festival will host Maroon 5, Pitbull, Kendrick Lamar and other acts – is nearly booked, said general manager Tom Segesta. This past Sunday, as teams clinched their spots in college basketball’s final showdown, the 468-room hotel reached near-capacity. During a high-demand period such as the Final Four, rates are a little higher than normal, he said.

A call to the Four Seasons reservations Wednesday afternoon confirmed that the only room available on Saturday night was a one-bedroom presidential suite in the north wing. Cost: $12,300.

Not surprisingly, people also are shelling out big bucks for access and attendance. Cyberspace is filled with sports travel packages for the area’s luxury hotels.

PrimeSport.com  , an online sports travel and event company, is hawking fournight packages with VIP event access, game day transportation, official NCAA souvenirs, tickets and stays at hotels such as the Four Seasons, the Omni, Westin, The Houstonian and the Magnolia. Prices start at $2,300 and run as high $4,100. The catch: Cancellations aren’t allowed.

BRACING FOR ‘BLACK FRIDAY’

A trip to Houston is also a fine excuse to shop. All four team hotels are clustered uptown around the Galleria – Oklahoma at the Westin Galleria, Villanova at the Royal Sonesta, Syracuse at JW Marriott and North Carolina at the Hilton Post Oak – so the luxury mall is bracing for a Black Friday atmosphere in terms of traffic and crowds, said Andrew Huang, marketing director at the Galleria. That includes additional staffing to manage parking areas and attractions, such as the ice skating rink.

“The Galleria is really kind of a gathering place for Houston, and we tend to be the epicenter when there are big events like this,” Huang said.

Players, fans, families, boosters, and corporate visitors courting clients mean a broad mix of diners and shoppers, especially for athletic wear and sporting goods retailers, Huang said. During the recent Texas Bowl, which saw Louisiana State University trounce Texas Tech, a similar mix of visitors packed the mall and restaurants, he added.

Anthony Russo, owner of the many Russo’s New York Pizzeria restaurants in Houston, said the Final Four’s impact will be undeniable for any business in the area, especially restaurants. With locations on Polk Street, in Midtown, the Galleria area and Kirby Drive, Russo said he’s well-positioned in several visitor hubs.

‘A BIG PARTY WEEKEND’

In 2011, the last time Houston hosted the Final Four, Russo saw a boom in deliveries and takeout orders. He’s expecting his Polk Street location, across from the Hyatt Regency and Doubletree hotels, and the Kirby Drive restaurant nearest NRG Stadium, where the teams will compete, will be “jammed busy” this time, starting Thursday.

Russo began a social media blitz last week and will begin stocking extra supplies during the latter part of the week.

“We buy everything fresh, so it’s not something you can order so far in advance,” he said. “It’s a big party weekend, and we’re ready for it.”

So are the supermarkets.

“Kroger is anticipating an increase in the sales of guacamole, chips, soda, chicken wings, adult beverages and other game-watching essentials,” said Kristal Howard, a Kroger spokeswoman.

But for visitors to town, signature Texas barbecue has to be on the must-do list. Levi Goode, who runs Goode Company BBQ and the whole suite of Goode restaurants, is ready to bring the meat.

“We want to be good ambassadors for the city,” Goode said.

The last time the Final Four was in Houston, plenty of guests were from out of town, so Goode Co. has been training staff for what to expect.

“We’re pretty much maxed out on what we’re able to smoke,” Goode said.

kyrie.oconnor@chron.com, mike.smith@chron.com

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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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