Russo’s New York Pizzeria’s menu contains traditional recipes passed down from the family of Anthony Russo, whose Italian-born parents migrated from New York to Texas when he was a child.
Guillermo Medellin and his wife bought an existing location in The Woodlands in 2009 before opening two additional stores north of Houston in 2014 and 2015. Russo’s is a Houston-based franchise dating back to 1978. Although the Medellins did not have any restaurant experience, the couple wanted to open a business that would allow them to give back to the community.
“We just love the food here, so we said, ‘Why not?’” Medellin said.
While Medellin leaves the cooking to his chefs, he is heavily involved in maintaining the restaurant’s commitment to offering fine Italian food. To that end, the menu includes an array of rich pastas, hearty meatballs, fresh-baked breads, soups and gigantic pizzas all served in a comfortable, casual environment.
“We do everything from scratch,” Medellin said. “All our sauces, all our dough, everything we prepare is from scratch.”
Russo’s New York Pizzeria has built a reputation for its thin 28-inch pizzas, which are hand-tossed and can be cooked gluten-free. The restaurant uses a special recipe for its pesto and marinara sauces, Medellin said.
“We have four soups that are homemade,” he said. “They’re absolutely the best. I personally prefer the minestrone, but our customers here like the tomato basil.”
Salads are served as a side dish or as a meal and include options, such as the traditional Caesar salad, Mediterranean salad, chicken and kale salad or the insalata caprese.
“As a complement to the food, we also serve a nice selection of special red and white wines and craft beers,” Medellin said.
On Sunday mornings, patrons can enjoy an Italian-style brunch featuring omelets and breakfast-inspired pizzas. The pizzeria also offers a small but savory menu of desserts, including a homemade tiramisu, which has a rich, creamy top layer.
In the daytime, the restaurant focuses on offering fast counter service and delivery orders to its lunch crowd. At night, the pizzeria transforms into a cafe with table service. Delivery is available for home and office within a 3-mile radius of the pizzeria for orders of $20 or more.
“We kind of dim the lights,” he said. “We have servers. We come and pamper you at the table.”
Medellin said catering has become a big part of the operation. Throughout the year, the pizzeria caters for events as large as 1,200 people. The list includes schools, churches and local festivals. The restaurant has appeared at the Waterway Arts Festival for the last six consecutive years.
Medellin said he looks forward to participating in H-E-B’s Wine Walk at Market Street on June 9, and the Conroe Chamber’s Tastefest on May 12.
“The food makes the whole basis,” Medellin said. “That’s what makes us a good option for our customers, but we understand what our customers really come in for is the experience. It’s a great experience that includes great service, great food and a great ambience.”
