Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen Expands to Mexico City with Multi-Unit Agreement for 10 Outlets by 2027
In an exciting move that demonstrates Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen’s commitment to growth and international expansion, the brand has recently signed a multi-unit development agreement to open 10 new locations in Mexico City by 2027. This agreement represents a significant milestone for the beloved restaurant chain, which has made its mark by serving authentic New York-style pizza and traditional Italian dishes across the globe. As the brand looks to further solidify its presence on the international culinary scene, Russo’s is thrilled to introduce its distinctive, high-quality offerings to the vibrant and dynamic food culture of Mexico City.
Welcoming New Franchisee Javier Aguilar
At the forefront of Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen’s expansion in Mexico City is its newest franchisee, Javier Aguilar. With an extensive background in multi-unit franchising and restaurant operations, Aguilar brings invaluable expertise to the table. He expresses his excitement about partnering with the Russo’s brand and shares his enthusiasm for bringing authentic Italian-American cuisine to Mexico City.
“The tremendous growth of Mexico City combined with the lack of truly authentic New York-style pizza and classic American-Italian dishes in the area made this opportunity an exciting one,” Aguilar explains. “What drew me to Russo’s is the quality and authenticity of the menu. Russo’s brings a true taste of Little Italy to every dish, and the unique menu items, like the Prosciutto & Burrata Pizza, Truffle Mushroom Pizza, and Pesto Chicken Pizza, are sure to be a hit with local diners.”
In addition to the exceptional pizza, Russo’s Italian pasta dishes are a key feature of the brand. Every dish is prepared fresh to order using all-natural, high-quality ingredients that set the restaurant apart from other pizza chains. “The variety of pasta options—from lasagna and baked ziti to fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti carbonara, and gnocchi—is what makes Russo’s stand out. It’s not just a pizza place; it’s a destination for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine,” Aguilar adds.
With a menu that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences, including a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options, Russo’s is primed to appeal to a broad audience in Mexico City. The restaurant’s commitment to offering fresh, flavorful dishes with a unique twist ensures that the brand will be well-received by both dine-in customers and those seeking delivery.
What Sets Russo’s Apart: A Focus on Freshness and Flexibility
One of the key factors that make Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen stand out in a crowded market is its dedication to offering a fresh, made-to-order experience. Unlike other pizza chains that rely on commissaries or pre-made ingredients, Russo’s makes every menu item from scratch, ensuring that customers enjoy the highest quality food possible.
“The fresh, made-to-order approach is one of the things that truly differentiates Russo’s from other brands. Whether it’s the dough for our pizzas, the sauce, or the pasta—everything is crafted in-house daily,” says Aguilar. “This commitment to quality resonates with customers who appreciate food that is both fresh and flavorful.”
The flexible store design model is another factor that makes Russo’s an attractive option for potential franchisees. The brand offers various store formats ranging from 1,200 square feet for smaller take-out and delivery units to larger 3,000-square-foot locations for sit-down pizzerias. This flexibility allows franchisees to adapt their store designs to best suit the needs of the local market. Whether opening a fast-casual outlet focused on delivery or an upscale pizzeria with a full-service dining experience, franchisees can tailor their operations to suit their specific target audience.
Aguilar is particularly excited about this flexibility and how it will help him create a restaurant that resonates with the local Mexican market. “This adaptable franchise model allows us to customize each store to our specific needs, from the store size to the layout and menu offerings,” he says. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer both dine-in and delivery options to customers in Mexico City, where we expect there will be a strong demand for both.”
An Exciting Partnership: Working with Chef Anthony Russo
At the heart of Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is Chef Anthony Russo, the visionary founder and CEO of the brand. Chef Russo’s passion for delivering exceptional Italian-American food has been the cornerstone of the company’s success, and his hands-on approach to every aspect of the business has earned him a loyal following. For Aguilar, the opportunity to work alongside Chef Russo and learn from his expertise is one of the most exciting aspects of the partnership.
“We’re incredibly excited to work closely with Chef Russo himself as we open our locations in Mexico City,” says Aguilar. “His passion for authentic, high-quality food is contagious, and we know that his guidance will be instrumental as we grow the brand in this new market.”
Chef Russo is equally thrilled to welcome Aguilar to the Russo’s franchise family. “Javier’s extensive experience and his commitment to excellence make him the ideal partner as we continue to expand the Russo’s brand internationally,” says Chef Russo. “We are excited to see how he brings the Russo’s experience to Mexico City and to the many customers who will enjoy our food.”
Supporting Franchisees and Ensuring Growth
Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen’s commitment to supporting franchisees is a key factor in the brand’s growth strategy. The company offers a comprehensive support system designed to help franchisees succeed. This includes everything from training and operational assistance to marketing support and ongoing guidance from Chef Russo himself. The goal is to help franchisees maximize their growth potential and achieve long-term success.
“Our franchise model is designed to be as supportive and flexible as possible,” says Chef Russo. “We provide our franchisees with all the tools and resources they need to build a successful business. At the same time, we encourage them to bring their own unique touch to each location, whether it’s through localizing the menu or tailoring the store design to fit the market.”
In addition to its focus on supporting franchisees, Russo’s also offers a variety of revenue streams, including dine-in, take-out, delivery, and catering. This diversity of income options positions the brand for sustained growth and success in both the U.S. and international markets.
