Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen, a popular Houston-based fast-casual pizza brand, has signed a new multi-unit franchise agreement that will increase Russo’s presence in Texas with new restaurants in Galveston, Bender’s Landing and Spring. The five-unit deal is signed with a local entrepreneurial couple with deep roots in restaurant franchising and are eager to make Russo’s their new family business.
Husband-and-wife team Randy and Ayesha McCoy will open the new Russo’s locations. Randy grew up in Galveston, TX and at age 13 worked his first job at the original Russo’s. Since then, he’s spent years working and managing in the restaurant industry, and also owned and operated an independent pizza shop in the state. Randy’s lifelong goal as an entrepreneur was to own an Italian restaurant in Texas, and he says that when he reached out to Russo’s Founder Anthony Russo to discuss franchising opportunities, it was a moment that his life, career, and goals came full circle.
“This is such an exciting milestone for me and my family because I’m fulfilling a lifelong dream of mine while also planting the seeds for my children’s future and many generations to come. The original Russo’s kitchen was where it all began for me, and that charm and authenticity I fell in love with hasn’t changed a bit. Joining the Russo’s family as a franchisee feels like a dream come true that’s been over 30 years in the making,” said Randy McCoy.
“I’m so excited to welcome Randy back to the Russo’s family and look forward to seeing him grow our brand so even more Texans can try our authentic Italian family recipes I grew up with,” said Chef Anthony Russo, Founder and CEO of Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Restaurants. “In addition to their admirable passion for authentic Italian cuisine, the McCoy’s strong desire to make Russo’s a family business is precisely what Russo’s stands for. This is a special moment for me and the McCoy family because it’s the start of a new legacy that will be passed down for generations and an extension of what Russo’s is all about.”
In addition to the several new restaurants coming to Texas, Russo’s has signed a five-unit franchise agreement to bring restaurants to the Fresno area in California. The brand has also expanded internationally in the Middle East during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
