Fast casual pizza and Italian kitchen concept Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen is set to open its new location in Mesa, Arizona, US.

The new restaurant will be owned by franchisees Keven Barth and Phuong Thai.

The new store is scheduled to open in spring next year and will span an area of 1,600ft² to 2,000ft² with an open kitchen design and a large outdoor patio.

Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen franchisee Phuong Thai said: “My husband and I are based in Arizona but spend part of our time living in Houston.

“We’ve been Russo’s customers for years and love the food, service and the entire Russo’s concept and franchise model.

“We were initially attracted to the idea of owning a Russo’s restaurant because of the access we get to Anthony Russo, instead of having to deal with a large corporation and not knowing who you’re doing business with.”

The new restaurant’s offering will include New York-style thin crust pizza, prosciutto burrata pizza, truffle mushroom pizza, calzones, pasta, gnocchi, lasagna, baked ziti, fettuccini alfredo and more classic Italian entrées.

Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen founder and CEO Chef Anthony Russo said: “We use my family’s classic Italian recipes and only the freshest ingredients to create a delicious product that is unique and the quality of our food is what separates our franchise concept from the rest of the pizza chains.

“We are so excited to expand our presence in Arizona with Kevin and Phuong to serve the best New York-style pizza and authentic Italian cuisine to the local communities.”