Russo's New York Pizzeria to debut in Saudi Arabia

Russo's New York Pizzeria, a Houston-based Italian restaurant, has signed its first franchise agreement in Riyadh with the Hospitality & Catering Company.

"Riyadh is about to have a taste of something it's never experienced before. We are not just offering original Italian recipes – we are offering a unique dining experience in an unrivalled interior highlighting our open kitchen, where our guests can see the quality and care we incorporate with every dish we prepare," said founder and CEO Anthony Russo.

"There is an unmistakable demand here for the kind of family-friendly and refined dining that only Russo's can offer. We will be the first to give Riyadh carefully crafted New York-style pizza and hand-made pastas, soups, salads and sandwiches, in a cosy yet luxurious setting."
Russo’s first outlet is said to feature friendly and modern designs; it will be the first Middle East location to offer the Giant 28" XL Pizza and Giant Slices, and will also serve a full line of gluten-free pizzas and pastas.

"Chef Anthony has customised the menu to adapt to the local trade area by creating recipes using local fresh ingredients and spices. His authentic Italian cuisine and hand-crafted New York-style pizzas will delight Russo's newest guests in Riyadh, along with our locally sourced, farm fresh produce & meats," said international franchise development manager Suzanne Boyadjian.

"Chef Anthony's focus is on his authentic Italian recipes that he has painstakingly perfected to adapt to the region, featuring fresh, local seafood, Halal meats, risotto and saffron, truffle mushroom soup, eggplant pizza, gnocchi pasta and Mediterranean-influenced dips and spreads.

"Our great food coupled with Chef Anthony's custom-designed interior and the seasoned management team of our franchise partner is sure to culminate in exceptional guest service and great success at Riyadh's first Russo's franchised location."

The opening in Riyadh is a part of Russo’s plans to open 28 locations across Middle East. It currently has outlets in Al Wahda Mall and Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Centre in Dubai and Sahara Centre in Sharjah.

"We have a bold plan in place for the next three years. Russo's is on course to add 30 restaurants, more than doubling our number of domestic and international locations," said Russo's Restaurants director of franchise development Jim Carr. "The Middle East is just the beginning. We are hosting initial talks with developers throughout Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Far East, and our domestic expansion continues to flourish."