Russo’s Pizzeria Signs Multi-Unit Deal to Expand in Mexico City
Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is set to make a significant mark in the international dining scene with the announcement of a multi-unit development agreement to open 10 new outlets in Mexico City by 2027. This ambitious expansion represents a pivotal milestone for the brand as it continues to grow beyond its U.S. roots, bringing authentic New York-style pizza and traditional Italian cuisine to new audiences around the world.
The company proudly welcomes its newest franchise partner, Javier Aguilar, whose enthusiasm and deep understanding of the local market will be instrumental in the successful launch of Russo’s in Mexico City. Aguilar recognizes both the city’s dynamic growth and the existing gap in authentic New York-style pizza and classic American-Italian cuisine. He is confident that Russo’s unique offerings will resonate with the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
“Russo’s offers a taste of Little Italy with unique menu items and family recipes, including favorites like the Prosciutto & Burrata Pizza, Truffle Mushroom Pizza, and Pesto Chicken Pizza,” Aguilar shares. “Furthermore, their selection of classic Italian pasta dishes—made fresh to order using all-natural ingredients—truly sets them apart.” Among these beloved dishes are lasagna, baked ziti, fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti carbonara, and gnocchi, along with a host of other traditional Italian favorites. The extensive menu variety is expected to attract a broad customer base, driving both dine-in and delivery sales.
Aguilar also highlights what differentiates Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen from other pizza chains. “The exceptional menu and flexible store design are key factors that make Russo’s stand out,” he explains. “The ability to open a range of store sizes—from 1,200 square feet to 3,000 square feet—allows us to develop upscale pizzerias as well as carry-out and delivery outlets tailored to the local market. Additionally, there is no commissary; every menu item is made fresh to order, and the average food cost is 22%. We’re excited to be part of the Russo family and to work closely with Chef Russo himself to bring the brand to Mexico City.”
Chef Anthony Russo, Founder and CEO of Russo’s New York Pizzeria, expresses his pride and excitement in welcoming Javier Aguilar to the Russo’s franchise network. “We are thrilled to have Javier onboard,” says Chef Russo. “His extensive experience as a multi-unit franchisee and restaurant operator will be invaluable as we continue to grow our brand internationally. Javier’s passion for authentic cuisine and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Russo’s mission to deliver high-quality, gourmet food to customers worldwide.”
Russo’s New York Pizzeria is dedicated to bringing a taste of Little Italy to new markets through a flexible franchise model that empowers franchisees to design stores that meet the specific needs of their local communities. This adaptability extends to the menu as well, allowing for the inclusion of regional favorites and specialized options such as halal or gluten-free dishes. Our goal is to support our franchisees so they can maximize their growth potential in each market, Chef Russo explains.
The brand’s commitment to expansion is evident with new store openings announced not only in Mexico City but also in various locations across Arizona, Texas, and California. Internationally, Russo’s continues to grow with outlets in the Philippines, Qatar, Dubai, and other global markets. This strategic growth underscores the brand’s vision of becoming a leading name in the global pizza and Italian cuisine industry.
For individuals passionate about delivering fresh, high-quality gourmet food, Russo’s New York Pizzeria offers an exciting growth opportunity. The franchise model includes multiple revenue streams encompassing dine-in, take-out, delivery, and catering services, ensuring diverse business prospects for franchisees. Store sizes range from 1,500 square feet for fast-casual delivery models to 3,500 square feet for full-service Italian kitchen dine-in models, providing flexibility to choose the best fit for different markets.
About Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen Franchise
Founded in 1999 by Chef Anthony Russo, Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is a Houston-based fast-casual pizza and Italian kitchen concept renowned for its hand-tossed New York-style pizzas. These pizzas are crafted using Russo’s family dough recipe, a sauce made from fresh-crushed California tomatoes, and imported Italian cheese blends, resulting in an authentic, one-of-a-kind pizza rich in old-world flavor. In addition to their signature pizzas, Russo’s offers an extensive selection of gourmet pasta dishes, including lasagna, spaghetti, baked ziti, fettuccine Alfredo, chicken parmesan, calzones, fresh salads, soups, and desserts.
Over the years, Russo’s New York Pizzeria has grown to 54 locations across Texas, Oklahoma, California, and Florida, with an expanding international presence in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Qatar. With its commitment to quality, authenticity, and customer satisfaction, Russo’s continues to attract franchisees and customers alike, making it a standout brand in the competitive world of pizza and Italian cuisine.
