A Houston-based pizza franchise is preparing to make its Sacramento debut.
Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen will open its first location in the city at 488 Howe Ave, taking over the former Pieology Pizzeria space in The UV shopping center. The new restaurant will span 2,400 square feet and is slated to open in late summer or early fall 2025, according to Sacramento Business Journal.
The Sacramento site is part of a broader expansion led by first-time franchisees Dr. Shaukat Shah and his son, Asad Shah, who recently inked a multi-unit deal to open new locations in San Joaquin, Danville, Modesto, and Stockton.
The pair is still deciding whether The UV location will follow Russo’s typical fast-casual model or operate as a full-service restaurant. Both formats include wine bars and feature similar menus centered on the brand’s signature pizza oven.
Russo’s specializes in hand-tossed New York-style pies and other classic Italian fare. The franchise operates more than 50 locations across the United States and internationally, including in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The upcoming Sacramento restaurant will be Russo’s second California location, following an earlier opening in Clovis.
