Russo’s New York Pizzeria Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen was established in 1992 by Chef Anthony Russo in Houston, Texas, and has since evolved into an international franchise celebrated for its traditional Italian dishes.
Inspired by his Italian roots and family recipes that had been cherished for generations, Chef Russo opened the very first restaurant with the goal of bringing those authentic flavors to a wider audience. The brand began franchising in 1999 and continues to operate from its headquarters in Houston.
The menu at Russo’s showcases a wide selection of Italian favorites, from New York–style pizzas and calzones to classic pastas, soups, salads, and desserts. True to its philosophy, “If it isn’t fresh, don’t serve it,” the franchise emphasizes fresh, premium ingredients in every dish.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchise? It costs on average between $439,000 – $1,501,000 to start a Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchised restaurant.
This covers expenses such as construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating costs. The total amount will vary based on several factors, including the specific restaurant model selected, the market and location, and whether the franchisee decides to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $35,000 |
| Opening Date Extension Fee | $0 to $10,000 |
| In-Store Opening Training | $0 to $50,000 |
| Site Evaluation Expenses | $1,000 to $5,000 |
| Lease Payments – 3 Months | $15,000 to $75,000 |
| Ancillary Real Estate Fees | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Architectural | $12,000 to $25,000 |
| Engineering | $4,000 to $10,000 |
| Plan Review Fee | $500 |
| Leasehold Improvements | $150,000 to $750,000 |
| Signage | $5,000 to $40,000 |
| Retail Equipment / Delivery Vehicle | $130,000 to $270,000 |
| Electronic Cash Register with Modem | $19,000 to $40,000 |
| Facsimile Machine | $350 to $500 |
| Business Licenses & Permits | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Professional Fees | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| Insurance Deposits and Premiums | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $10,000 to $30,000 |
| Travel, Lodging and Meals for Training | $10,000 to $40,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising Program | $10,000 to $25,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 Months | $20,000 to $50,000 |
| Total | $439,350 to $1,501,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchise? A Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchised restaurant makes on average $874,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Russo’s New York Pizzeria locations are there?
As of the most recent data, Russo’s New York Pizzeria operates a total of about 56 locations. Of these, 7 are company-owned, while roughly 49 are franchised units.
What is the total investment required to open a Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchise?
The total investment required to open a Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchise ranges from $439,000 to $1,501,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchise?
Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchisees are required to pay an ongoing royalty fee of 6% of gross sales, along with a marketing and advertising fee that is generally 1% of gross sales, though in some cases it may be up to 1.5% depending on the agreement.
What are the financial requirements to become a Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchisee?
To qualify as a franchisee, the most consistent requirements across sources indicate a minimum net worth of $550,000 and available liquid capital in the range of $150,000 to $250,000, though some more conservative estimates suggest up to $750,000 net worth may be expected depending on the investment scenario.
How much can a Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Russo’s New York Pizzeria franchise are approximately $0.87 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.87 million yearly revenue can result in $131,000 EBITDA annually.
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