RUSSO’S RESTAURANTS TARGETS INTERNATIONAL GROWTH ACROSS EUROPE

Authentic Italian Fast-Casual Pizzeria Concept Initiates Strategic Expansion Plan

HOUSTON – Russo’s New York Pizzeria, the U.S.-based fast-casual pizzeria concept best known for its authentic cuisine and brick oven pizzas, announced today plans to significantly enhance the brand’s footprint in France and throughout Europe.

Demonstrating the excitement around the brand, Russo’s kicked off 2015 with the opening of the company’s twenty-first Houston location in Spring, Texas. An additional 10-12 restaurants are planned to open this year in Texas markets like Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. Currently, there are 20 Russo’s restaurants in development. Additionally, Russo’s New York Pizzeria has just signed two new agreements in the UAE, bringing its total to six.

“We’ve exceeded our growth goals,” said Founder and CEO Chef Anthony Russo, a formally trained chef who opened his first Russo’s New York Pizzeria in 1992 and later developed Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen. “Russo’s expansion just cannot be contained, and we are pleased to provide our loyal fans with additional Russo’s locations in these promising markets.”

Today’s news follows an extraordinary year for Russo’s Restaurants. In 2014, Russo’s signed agreements to open seven new restaurants and opened four. The year ahead represents the brand’s most aggressive growth phase yet.

“France is a key growth area for Russo’s in the upcoming months. There’s nothing like Russo’s in the area,” said Russo. “Our international franchise partners have had nothing but exceptional success expanding into new markets like Dubai and the rest of the UAE. We’re confident France will be a stunning success as well.”

With a significant presence already established in dozens of major U.S. cities and the Middle East, Russo’s franchise development team is looking to Paris, Nice, Marseilles and Cannes for growth. Other European countries of interest are Spain, the UK and Germany, among others.

“Our franchise opportunities can’t be beat – we have exciting opportunities in profitable international markets for franchise growth. We are the only authentic New York-style pizzeria available as a franchise,” said Russo. “For those looking to develop three or more units of one of the best pizza concepts or a distinctive full-service Italian restaurant, our flexible incentives are sure to impress. Our pilot program is designed for a franchisee that is looking for the chance to own part of a brand that is built to stand the test of time.”

Franchisees have found success in Russo’s proven concept – the New York Pizzeria is family-style casual. From traditional Italian appetizers such as bruschetta and fried calamari to quick-fired pizzas, homemade pastas and an authentic Italian dessert selection, diners at the New York Pizzeria run an average of sales at $600 per square foot in the U.S.

Menu innovation is at the heart of Russo’s Restaurants’ successes. Blending generations of Russo family Italian recipes, Chef Anthony’s handpicked ingredients and a commitment to research and development, the brands have continued to stay ahead of culinary trends. A prime example is the development of a full line of gluten free pizzas – a sincere response to the request for the great-tasting gluten-free pizza from thousands living with Celiac disease.

Today, Russo’s New York Pizzeria has garnered a cult-like following for its truly authentic and delicious Italian dishes made from the freshest ingredients and its New York-style pizza. The restaurants blend premium recipes with the magic created around a homemade Italian meal.

For more information about Russo’s New York Pizzeria, please visit www.nypizzeria.com.

About Russo’s Restaurants

Russo’s Restaurants is a 38-location national and international franchisor of the fast casual and casual dining brands Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen. Based in Houston, Russo’s Restaurants are composed of a mix of corporate and franchised locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Florida and Hawaii. Russo’s has entered international markets as well, with locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. There are an additional 20-plus units in development both in the United States and internationally. Chef Anthony Russo has created his concepts from years of applying his unique, family recipes featuring New York-style pizza along with a broad variety of handcrafted pasta creations, calzones, salads, sandwiches, soups and desserts, reflecting his commitment to his New York roots where food and family come first.

To learn more about Russo’s franchise development opportunities, visit www.nypizzeria.com/franchise or contact Suzanne Boyadijan, Director of International Franchise Sales, at Suzanne@nypizzeria.com.