In October, 2012, Russo’s New York Pizzeria, known for its authentic Italian food and real New York style pizza, opened its doors in Mission, Texas. After just one week of being open, the local pizzeria produced record sales at 20 percent greater than the average opening week sales for Russo’s restaurants.
Russo’s Restaurant Developer David Martinez made sales history with the opening success of his Mission restaurant opening. The Mission restaurant marks the third Russo’s restaurant that Martinez has opened. Based on his first week figures, he projects more than one million in sales in its first year, a remarkable feat.
In marketing the Mission restaurant opening, Martinez utilized a Russo’s restaurant nearby and began reaching out to its customer base over a year before the opening. He also hosted a grand opening event for Friends and Family the night prior to the opening, with proceeds benefitting Habitat for Humanity.
“Third time’s the charm!” said Martinez. “I’m very appreciative and grateful for all the grand opening support I have received from founder Anthony Russo and the franchise system’s corporate trainers. The sales numbers we achieved in Mission in our first week open were beyond my greatest expectations, and I’m so proud to be a part of such a great national brand.”
Russo’s New York Pizzeria in Mission is about 3,500 square feet in size and is located at 201 South Shary Rd. Martinez’s two other Russo’s restaurants are located in McAllen and Corpus Christi. He also plans to open a fourth location in Harlingen in 2013.
Russo’s menu items remain focused on traditional Northern and Southern Italian favorites, with the company’s classic New York style pizzas headlining the offerings. Recipes dating back to Chef Anthony’s grandparents are featured, including fresh pastas such as Gnocchi Bolognese, seafood and chicken dishes such as Past Di Mare and Chicken Picatta, and delectable desserts including handcrafted Zeppole and authentic New York Cheesecakes.
The Russo’s franchise opportunity is available to single and multi-unit franchise owners looking for business opportunities across the United States, as well as internationally in countries such as Lebanon, Oman, Turkey and Eastern Europe. The average total investment to open a Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen or Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchise is between $495,000 and $950,000 with a franchise fee of $35,000 to $50,000. For veterans interested in opening a Russo’s franchise, the franchise fee is reduced by $10,000.
For more information on Russo’s franchising opportunities, visit http://www.nypizzeria.com/franchise.
Russo’s operates with a simple promise: “If it isn’t fresh, don’t serve it.” Founded in 1992 by Chef Anthony Russo, Russo’s New York Pizzeria is known as the only place to find authentic New York Pizza and Italian dishes in Texas. Russo launched his Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen concept to complement the Pizzeria in 2008, with an expanded selection of Italian menu items. Current company operations include 28 restaurants in three states, with plans for significant expansion through franchising in key U.S. markets already underway. For more information and to learn about available franchise opportunities visit http://www.russorestaurants.com.
