Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is rising to the occasion to be there for the communities it serves when it is needed most.

As a community ally, Russo’s has always aligned itself with charities and local non-profit organizations, and now it is coming to the aid of hospital workers and first responders who are giving of themselves tirelessly to care for coronavirus patients.

To continue their goodwill efforts, participating Russo’s locations have delivered fresh hot Italian meals, New York style pizza, salads, sandwiches and much more to first responders and hospital teams area wide in each of its markets. The brand wants to say thank you through providing comforted nourishment as both the physical and emotional impacts of coronavirus take their tolls on healthcare professionals that are treating patients.

“There is no way to fully express our appreciation for the first responders and hospital workers who put themselves at risk every day,” says Chef Anthony Russo, founder and CEO of Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen. “We want to take care of our community just as much as they take care of us.”

Throughout Texas, Russo’s has donated food to the Houston Fire Department, HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest Hospital, Methodist Richardson Hospital, VA Hospital, Texas Children’s Hospital as well as police departments, regional clinics and city halls. Additional drop-offs are being coordinated on an ongoing basis. Locations in Florida and Oklahoma are doing the same.

“Donating to local charities and giving back to our community is extremely important to all of us here at Russo’s,” adds Lynn Zeller-Aldana, senior director of operations for Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen. “Community involvement is at the very heart of our culture. We encourage others to pay it forward as well.”

What started as a family-owned establishment in Houston in 1992, Russo’s New York Pizzeria features a full menu of authentic New York-style pizza and Italian dishes, blending the freshness of fine ingredients with the magic of a handcrafted Italian meal.  Beyond the brand’s specialty traditional crust and gluten-free pizzas, menu items include fresh salads, soups and made-from-scratch sauces and pastas: authentic Italian cannoli, fresh-baked, Italian flatbread sandwiches and, of course, hand-tossed pizzas are just some of the distinctive menu items.