Russo’s New York Pizzeria, Inc. signs 3 unit franchise agreement with VKL Franchise, LLC, for Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley!

Russo’s Restaurants Director of Franchise Development, Jim Carr (pictured above) announced today, the signing of a 3 unit franchise agreement package with the VKL Franchise, LLC group, based in Brownsville, Texas.  VKL membership is made up of the principals from RGV Best Burger, LLC, a Johnny Rockets franchisee group and the principals from Varco Franchises, LLC, franchisor of the 100+ unit Pronto Insurance brand in south Texas.

“We are excited to join Chef Anthony Russo and his team as the newest members of the Russo’s family of franchisees,” commented Gabriel Kauachi, with the VKL group.  “We analyzed each market and feel strongly that the Russo’s brand will be unique in the market with no direct competition, and that its founder is a prominent Chef with a successful global presence,” added Carlos Varela, of the Varco group.  “With the Johnny Rockets brand we have exceeded our sales objectives and plan to do the same with our Russo’s New York Pizzeria locations,” he said.  “This is a dynamic group of dedicated professionals with a solid reputation in the community and high customer ratings for their quality of product and excellent customer service,” noted Chef Russo.  “We are pleased to welcome the VKL group to the Russo’s family and look forward to a great partnership with them.”

The first location is planned for Brownsville, followed by a second in Harlingen and a third location in Laredo.  Early projections are to open Brownsville by mid to late October.  Once the three locations are open, and added to our existing locations in Mission and McAllen, owned by multi-unit franchisee David Martinez, the Russo’s brand will have grown to 5 locations in the Valley.

“We are well on our way to exceeding our three-year strategic growth plan,” added Chef Russo.  “With our enhanced corporate support team, our dynamic restaurant designs and new menu, I’m confident we will experience strong and sustained growth with long-term results.  We are thrilled to partner with franchisees who share our passion for delicious hand-crafted Italian food and excellence in delivering great service for our customers!”

Chef Russo also commented, “The VKL group brings their commitment, passion and operational expertise to our brand! Their proven record of success is a testimony to their business acumen, product quality and excellence in providing an inviting, warm and exceptional customer experience.”

Russo’s Restaurants is a 44 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. For International development, contact our international franchise development manager, Suzanne Boyadjian at suzanne@nypizzeria.com or for the U.S. contact Jim Carr, director of franchise development at j.carr@nypizzeria.com or by phone at (832) 980-6407.

From Our Kitchens to Your Table! Delicious, Authentic, Hand-Crafted Italian!
MANGIAMO!The Russo’s Restaurant Group, home of the Upscale Fast-Casual New York Pizzeria brand, the Upscale Casual Dining Coal Fired Italian Kitchen brand and our soon to be launched VIA PRESTO brand for non-traditional venues!