The son of first-generation Italian immigrants, Chef Anthony Russo grew up in a New Jersey home where the kitchen was the center of family life. There was always cooking and baking at home, and many of the ingredients came from the family garden, just as his Grandpa and Nona Russo did back in Avellino, Italy.

These experiences stuck with young Anthony long after his family moved to Galveston, Texas, in 1978. His father opened Russo’s Italian Restaurant, which quickly became a local favorite. Just like that, Anthony found a second home in the restaurant kitchen. By the age of 12, he was learning family recipes from relatives who flew in from Naples and Sicily each summer. Making pizza and squachatta (calzones) became a passion.

In traditional Italian families, some of life’s greatest joys take place around the table. Italians understand the magic created when the joys of conversation and intimacy mingle with the pleasures of beautiful food and drink. At Russo’s, we strive to recreate this phenomenon between family and friends at every meal. It’s not just the food, it’s the experience that keeps customers coming back. They come for warmth, conversation, and a sense of belonging.

Traditions provide a means to honor and maintain bonds with our ancestors. Chef Russo’s family traditions play a role in every aspect of the business—the preparation of each authentic recipe, the warm welcome shown to each customer, and the respect given to every employee. All passed down through generations, never to be forgotten. By handing off these developed recipes and techniques, the Russo’s family name is passed down to each franchisee.