DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 07, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen is laying franchise growth strategy in new markets in the Middle East. The upscale casual Italian restaurant which is known for its unique, chef-driven menu is also showcasing coal-fired ovens and mozzarella bars. Chef Anthony Russo will be exhibiting at the Global Restaurant Leadership conference October 10 th - October 12 th at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, and will be seeking new multi franchise partners to meet growth plans that call for over 50 restaurants by 2020.
After successfully launching seven franchise locations of his Russo’s New York Pizzeria concept in the United Arab Emirates since 2013, Chef Anthony Russo will be expanding his presence in the UAE with the opening of his first Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen and Mozzarella Bar at The Pointe in Dubai in spring 2017, with franchisee partner Prime Hospitality. The UAE’s inaugural Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen will be home to the region’s first coal-fired brick pizza oven, bringing the authentic flavors that only coal-fired baking can impart. The chef-driven restaurant concept that marries the freshness of premium ingredients with the warmth and hospitality of classic Italian culinary culture will undoubtedly be a standout destination on the Dubai dining scene.
“We are thrilled to be the first restaurant to use a coal-fired oven in the Middle East and to introduce this delicious, unique style of pizza to our growing fan base and new customers in the region,” said Chef Anthony Russo, Owner and CEO of Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen Russo’s New York Pizzeria. “We are unique because we have cooked authentic family recipes since 1978 and we anticipate that coal-fired pizza will be an instant success in Dubai. We are excited by the expansion of our coal-fired concept across the UAE.”
Russo’s 2-ton, custom designed coal fired pizza oven will be imported from the U.S. to serve as the centerpiece of an open-air kitchen, unlike any other. The oven will be heated by 50 lbs. of coal imported from Pennsylvania reaching temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees to perfectly cook pizzas in approximately 4 minutes. Russo’s signature pizza is known for its delicious, crispy New York style thin crust. Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen will serve favorites including fresh hand crafted mozzarella, Osso Buco, Risotto di Mare and NY Prime Steak. The menu will also blend local flavor profiles with Russo’s traditional recipes, utilizing fresh ingredients unique to the region like Saffron Risotto, Fresh Seafood Pizza with local fresh seafood fare and Hammour. Chef Anthony Russo and his kitchen team create all recipes from scratch and exclusively use ingredients that are all natural with no preservatives, no additives and zero trans-fats. As promised by the Russo family and maintained by each and every franchisee, “If it isn’t fresh, don’t serve it!”
As Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen is slated for a spring 2017 opening in Dubai, the market’s enthusiasm for Chef Anthony’s New York-style pizza has also secured the development of 10 new Russo’s New York Pizzeria locations in the UAE and 10 more in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The seven current locations of the Russo’s New York Pizzeria concept located in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai notably serve the largest pizza in the UAE, offering the giant 28” pie. Always prioritizing customer service and convenience, Russo’s also has an elite delivery program in the Middle East. The tremendous demand for Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen and Russo’s New York Pizzeria provides an exceptional franchise opportunity in the region and signals continued international franchise growth for Russo’s both brands.
For more information about Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen and Russo’s New York Pizzeria, please visit https://www.facebook.com/RussosUAE or follow us on @RussosNYRest .
About Russo’s Restaurants 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 is 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 Italian roots where food and family come first.
To learn more about Russo’s franchise development opportunities, visit www.nypizzeria.com , http://www.russoscoalfired.com/ , or call toll free 855-978-7767.
For International development please contact Anthony Russo at anthony@nypizzeria.com . For Domestic development, please contact Jerell Denton, Director of franchise development, at j.denton@nypizzeria.com or by phone at (972) 983-9024.
