As part of a multi-unit agreement, Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is set to open locations in San Joaquin, Danville, Stockton and Modesto, California, this summer. The Upscale Pizza restaurants will be owned and operated by first-time franchisees Dr. Shaukat Shah and his son Asad Shah.
The California location will be its casual pizza and Italian restaurant footprint in a 1500- to 2000-square-foot location with an open kitchen design and a large outdoor patio, offering new Unique menu items and Russo’s signature 28-inch party pizzas (which serves up to 10 people). Also available will be more than 15 New York-style thin crust pizzas, such as Prosciutto Burrata Pizza and Truffle Mushroom Pizza as well as calzones, fresh-made pasta, gnocchi, lasagna, baked ziti, and fettuccini Alfredo.
“We pride ourselves on using my family’s classic Italian recipes and the freshest ingredients to create a unique and delicious product. The superior quality of our food sets our franchise concept apart from other pizza chains,” said Chef Anthony Russo, founder and CEO of Russo’s. “We are thrilled to expand our presence in California alongside Dr. Shah and Asad Shah, bringing the best New York-style pizza and authentic Italian cuisine to the local community.”
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Russo at the age of 20, Russo’s New York Pizzeria has more than 56 locations across Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and Arizona; the brand said there’s room to grow in several states. The brand has doubled its store footprint in the last few years. Company leadership has identified over 200 potential U.S. locations. Internationally, Russo’s is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Doha, Qatar and Manila, Philippines.
