Russo's New York Pizzeria Expands to Tempe
Russo's New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen, a celebrated Italian eatery and pizza franchise, has officially launched its second establishment in Arizona, now serving the vibrant community of Tempe. Situated conveniently at 521 S. College Avenue, right near the Arizona State University campus, this new location promises to deliver the robust flavors of authentic New York-style pizza and fresh Italian cuisine, much to the delight of local students and residents.
Run by franchisees Kristina and Christian Alvarez, the new pizzeria is intent on bringing the Russo family's cherished recipes to the local dining scene. "We are thrilled to introduce genuine New York-style pizza to Tempe and present our signature oversized slices to the community," expressed Kristina Alvarez. The couple was drawn to Russo's franchise not only because of its reputation for gourmet cuisine but also due to its emphasis on high-quality, fresh ingredients. They were captivated by the delicious flavors and the trademark recipes that have become synonymous with the Russo brand.
The opening of this Tempe location marks a significant milestone, as it represents Russo's continued growth and franchise expansion across the Southwest and nationwide. Established by Chef Anthony Russo, the brand draws heavily on his experiences and upbringing in New York, where he learned traditional Italian-American cooking methods. Chef Russo emphasizes a commitment to quality, stating, "At Russo's, we operate as a fresh-scratch kitchen. We focus on authentic cooking methods, ensuring that our pizza and pasta are crafted using fresh ingredients, unlike those frozen alternatives found in other establishments."
At the heart of Russo's New York Pizzeria's menu lies their iconic pizza, renowned for its classic New York-style slices and impressive 28-inch Giant Party Pizza. The pizzeria prepares its dough from scratch using premium flour and allows it to ferment for 24 hours to enhance flavor and texture. Alongside their famous pizzas, diners can indulge in a variety of authentic Italian dishes, including:
- - Fresh-made pasta
- - Chicken Parmesan
- - Lasagna
- - Italian meatballs
- - Assorted Italian sandwiches
- - Fresh salads
- - House-made desserts such as tiramisu
As the Tempe location opens its doors, it is poised to cater to a diverse clientele, including ASU students, faculty members, nearby residents, and visitors seeking an authentic taste of New York. "We are delighted to have Kristina and Christian Alvarez representing our brand in Tempe," said Chef Russo. He added that local franchise ownership is vital for the brand's expansion, allowing them to maintain high standards while tapping into the unique needs of each community they serve.
Russo's expansion reflects an ongoing commitment to sharing their culinary legacy through franchise partnerships across the United States and beyond. They offer various restaurant formats, from compact pizzerias that begin at about 1,500 square feet to larger spaces, allowing franchisees the flexibility to establish their presence in different markets while ensuring the Russo’s quality remains uncompromised.
With an average unit volume of approximately $1.1 million across their franchised restaurants, Russo's New York Pizzeria is seeking driven entrepreneurs who are eager to introduce authentic Italian fare to their regions. Special incentives are also in place for qualified military veterans interested in joining the franchise family.
In conclusion, Russo's New York Pizzeria's new Tempe location embodies not just an expansion of the brand, but a dedication to serving high-quality Italian cuisine to communities across the nation, using only the finest ingredients and traditional methods. As they step into this new market, the Alvarez family looks forward to winning the hearts — and appetites — of their new neighbors in Tempe with every dish they serve.