New mom plans to open more Russo’s Italian restaurant franchises in South Florida!

Karla Tomas, 30, plans to open two more Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen restaurants in South Florida and continue to deliver exceptional guest service in presenting Chef Anthony Russo’s authentic Italian cuisine in a hip, trendy, family friendly restaurant concept that welcomes customers to dine at Chef Russo’s table. Karla plans to open two more Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen restaurants in South Florida by the time she sends her first child off to kindergarten.

The driven new mom, who gave birth to a baby girl in March, is the owner and original South Florida franchisee of the brand at 14910 Pines Blvd. in Pembroke Pines.

Since she opened the Russo’s on Valentine’s Day 2012, it has “commanded impressive, annual sales of about $2 million,” she said. She believes she can recreate her recipe for success and open two other locations in the tri-county area “in the next few years,” she told the South Florida Business Journal. She is still seeking spaces for the additional restaurant locations.

“I’ve lived in this area 20 years now, that’s why we chose to have the restaurant in this market,” Tomas said.

Tomas’ Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen in Pembroke Pines employs 26 people, which is the expected number of new employees each additional store will need, thus providing new job growth and a solid revenue stream to the local economy.

Director of franchise development for the Russo’s brands (which includes Russo’s New York Pizzeria restaurants) Jim Carr says Karla’s business is strong and he expects she and other new franchisees can support up to 15 locations in South Florida. “We’re interested in adding locations in Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale and throughout the greater Miami market,” he said.

Franchisees can expect a direct investment from $450,000 to $1.2 million depending on the brand, the size and they location they choose for their restaurant. On average, it takes about six to nine months to get a Russo’s open once the site is secured.

Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen restaurants require a space of about 4,000 to 7,000 square feet, whereas the Russo’s New York Pizzeria brand works well in 2,000 to 3,000 square feet.

Carr says the brand also has interested franchisee prospects planning to expand the Russo’s brands in the Tampa Bay market. “We feel that Florida’s strong economy coupled with the state’s demographic profile, our featured New York Style pizza and authentic Italian menu of scratch made pastas, soups, salads, calzones and Italian flat-bread sandwiches will be a huge hit.”

Russo’s Restaurants has 72 locations open and under development in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Florida, Hawaii and the UAE, with plans to add another 30 locations over the next three years. Entrepreneurs who want to learn more about the Russo’s Restaurants franchise opportunities are urged to contact Jim Carr at j.carr@nypizzeria.com or by calling 832-980-6407.