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Russo's Restaurants initiate Florida expansion plan

Chef Anthony Russo, the founder of dining concepts that include Russo's New York Pizzeria and Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, has a franchise growth plan targeting regions throughout Florida.

March 17, 2016

Chef Anthony Russo, the founder of dining concepts that include Russo's New York Pizzeria and Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, has a franchise growth plan targeting regions throughout Florida, such as Jacksonville, Miami and Orlando, according to a company press release.

Fresh off of signing a multi-unit development deal for the Tampa market, and amid the success of its Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen location in Pembroke Pines, Russo and his team are looking to bring close to 30 additional locations to Florida's key metro regions. Each restaurant will create 25 to 30 new jobs, totaling between 750 and 900 open employment opportunities in the area.

"The Sunshine State is full of promising possibilities for our franchise," Russo said. "There is consumer demand that currently is not being met throughout Florida for authentic New York style pizza and full-flavor Italian fare. Opening additional locations throughout the state is a crucial move in our growth strategy."

Russo's started 2016 with two grand openings in Katy and Brownsville, Texas, and is finalizing plans to open in additional markets throughout the United States and internationally.

"We anticipate expanding across the state as Florida's growing economy offers access to multiple attractive locations. With our established brands and a management team committed to supporting our franchisees every step of the way, we're confident in our prospects," Russo said.

Another development for the brand includes refreshed and redesigned menus for both Russo's New York Pizzeria and Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen. The new menus feature more than 80 items. New items include the chicken & kale pesto pasta salad, made with grilled chicken and fresh kale, tossed with pesto sauce, cucumbers, Roma tomatoes and penne pasta, as well as the spinach, kale & artichoke pizza covered in spinach, artichoke hearts, kale, all-natural mozzarella cheese and roasted garlic in a creamy alfredo sauce.

"If it's not fresh, we don't serve it! It's our family promise," Russo said. "Our menu items were created to give today's consumers who want fresh, homemade tastes made from the finest ingredients at every dining experience. With our open kitchen concept, coal fired ovens and custom-designed units, it is our goal to transport guests to their favorite New York eatery."

Russo's Restaurants offers a franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs. With full training provided, no prior restaurant experience is necessary, the release stated. The franchise investment for Russo's New York Pizzeria in spaces from 1,500 to 3,500 square feet is between $350,000 and $700,000 per location. For Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen in spaces from 3,800 to 7,000 square feet, the franchise investment ranges between $750,000 and $1,400,000 per location. Both vary depending on the market and restaurant square footage.