Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen, a chain with sites in Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, and California, is getting ready to enter Arizona for the first time, with a new location coming to Mesa at 4537 S Power Rd #101.
The company’s first Phoenix site was set to open in Spring 2024, but first-time franchise owners Kevin and Phuong Barth have faced some delays. The franchisees are getting closer to opening, having recently obtained a liquor license from the state. Phuong tells What Now Phoenix that they are anticipating an early November opening. When Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen opens in Mesa, customers can expect the finest New York-style pizza and authentic Italian dishes.
“My husband and I are primarily based in Arizona, though we split our time between there and Houston,” Phuong said in a press release. “We’ve been loyal patrons of Russo’s for years, deeply appreciating their cuisine, exceptional service, and the entire Russo’s concept, including their innovative franchise model. What really drew us in was the prospect of owning a Russo’s restaurant, which allows us direct access to Anthony Russo himself. This personal connection, as opposed to dealing with a faceless corporation, was a major selling point for us.”
This is a massive accomplishment for the company, considering it will enter the Arizona market for the first time. Russo’s has cultivated a presence with 54 corporate-owned and franchised establishments across various states. In addition to the handful of domestic locations, Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen has ventured into the international market, with locations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Doha, Qatar, and Manila, Philippines.
“We rely on time-honored Italian family recipes and the finest, freshest ingredients to craft a distinctive and delectable product,” CEO Anthony Russo said in a press release. “It is the superior quality of our cuisine that truly distinguishes our pizza franchise from the competition.”
