Russo’s Restaurants announced a development deal with distinguished franchising entrepreneur Zafar “Jeff” Moosa. Backed with more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant franchising industry, Moosa adds the Russo’s name to his portfolio through the acquisition of the Richardson, Texas Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, located at 700 E Campbell Rd. Through the agreement, he will also significantly expand Russo’s Restaurants’ Texas footprint across Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio.
Chef Anthony Russo, the brand’s creative culinary mind, founder and CEO of Russo’s Restaurants, the multi-brand franchisor of both Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen and Russo’s New York Pizzeria, inked the agreement with Moosa. Moosa’s restaurant franchise investments and operations also include several Taco Bell, Captain D’s and Golden Chick locations. He’s also a former franchisee of Jack in the box and Church’s Chicken.
“Our current pace of growth in Texas—and beyond—is unprecedented for our brands,” says Russo, who has 40 years of culinary expertise featuring fresh, homemade Italian cuisine using family recipes. “With Jeff’s business acumen behind the Russo’s brand, we are equipped to introduce our concepts to more families, friends and business associates. In addition to Jeff’s recent investment, we’re seeing tremendous interest and growth this year with franchising partners in the U.S. and internationally.”
Russo’s Restaurants offers a rare franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs like Moosa interested in proven brands that are entirely chef driven. Beyond consumer convenience, Russo’s is leading the Italian dining category by creating a business model that offers:
- A smaller footprint (1,500 – 3,500 sq. ft.) for less overhead
- A low-cost entry into the restaurant business with an initial investment starting around $395,000 in select markets
- A focus on fresh ingredients to subtract additional supply costs for preservatives and packaging, and also to meet consumer’s demand for quality food
- Online ordering, takeout and free delivery options for added customer value
Recently, Chef Anthony shook up the restaurant industry and strengthened his brands’ franchise opportunity by introducing the “Next Generation Pizza & Italian” restaurant model–ideal for on-the-go diners looking for authentic Italian cuisine at shopping malls, strip centers and airports.
The restaurant design and environment blends the freshness of a fine Italian restaurant with the magic created around a homemade Italian meal. Plus, the unique, open kitchen design and one-of-a-kind pizza bar provides guests with the chance to enjoy watching Russo’s chefs prepare their hand-tossed pizzas and homemade meals fresh from scratch and to take in the aromas of authentic Italian cooking.
Moosa continues Russo’s initiative to open dozens of locations across Texas. The family-focused original Italian concept has established itself as a Texas-favorite through its growing presence across the state, especially in large cities such as Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas. In 2018, the brand’s key development focus in Texas is on the Dallas and Fort Worth territories in addition to three in-state openings, one in Austin and two in Houston. For more information on Russo’s available territories in Texas, please visit the link below.
Beyond Texas, the brand also has a U.S. franchising focus throughout key markets including Florida, the Northeast and the middle section of the country. Internationally, key growth territories include the Middle East, Asia and Western Europe.
