Photo Credit: Russo's The WoodlandsFood & Drink
Eat Local: Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen The Woodlands celebrates 15 Year Anniversary
Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen The Woodlands is celebrating their 15 Year Anniversary! Located at 3335 College Park Dr #300, Russo’s is inviting the community to celebrate on Thursday, November 14 where Russo’s will be giving away 100 giant New York-style cheese pizza slices (one per person) starting at 11 a.m. Then, later from 5 to 8 p.m. join Russo’s for a “come in and go” reception Enjoy a glass of wine while sampling Russo’s extensive list of appetizers, salads, pastas, and brick oven New York-style pizza. RSVP to guillermo@NYpizzeria.com or call (936)273-6060.
Hello Woodlands had the opportunity to interview Guillermo Medellin, owner of Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen The Woodlands, and learn more about the restaurant’s success, pizza and pasta recipes made from scratch, and involvement in the community.
UPDATE 11/14: View photos from the 15th Anniversary reception held on November 14, 2024 below and on the Hello Woodlands Facebook page here.
The Interview
Share your story. How did the restaurant start?
During a period of career change considerations I came across the opportunity to purchase this restaurant of which we were customers of and loved the food. We saw an opportunity to have a local business in The Woodlands, where we have resided for 25 years, and get involved in the community.
Reflecting on the past 15 years, what do you think has been the key to your restaurant’s long-term success, especially in such a competitive industry?
Understanding the business, focusing on customer appreciation, achieving staff consistency and involvement in the community.
How do you plan to celebrate this milestone with your customers and community, and are there any special events or offers in store to mark the occasion?
On Thursday, November 14th, we will be giving away 100 giant New York style cheese pizza slices and hosting an in and out RSVP event for customers, community leaders and influencers.
What is the atmosphere of the restaurant? Who are your customers, or who do you hope to serve?
The atmosphere is like a modern, higher scale, New York style pizzeria with open kitchen and a pleasant restaurant ambiance. Our customers are all across the spectrum including young and older families and couples as well as small and large groups from high schoolers to senior citizens.
What do you serve? What makes your menu special and unique?
Fresh made from scratch New York style pizza and calzone with all natural toppings as well as made to order authentic Italian pasta recipes, salads, soups and sandwiches.
What do you attribute to your restaurant’s success?
Understanding the business, focusing on customer appreciation, achieving staff consistency and involvement in the community.
Tell us about your team.
Have had the blessing to work with great people. Many have been with the team for over 10 years and others have move on after many years to different careers, but always like family. Today Christian and Oscar run my Woodlands location and Francisco my longtime business partner takes care of the Conroe location with great staff with them.
How do you give back to and get involved in the local community?
We partner with many local schools, PTOs and organizations with fundraising events either at our restaurant or at their location. We have continuously participated in major local events though 15 years including The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, Food and Wine Week, The Woodlands Chamber Taste of the Town, The Woodlands Township events, and many others.
What is the favorite meal of the Owners and/or Chef?
Despite having many favorite Items, I always recommend our Pistachio Chicken Pesto Pasta, Chicken Rustica Pizza and our Russo’s homemade meatballs.
What are the locals ordering? What are your customers’ favorite menu items?
Most popular dishes include traditional Spaghetti with meatballs, Fettuccini Alfredo, Pasta Carbonara and Margherita, Italian works and all-natural Pepperoni pizzas. As appetizer our calamari and for dessert our homemade tiramisu are very popular.
What are 5 Words to describe your restaurant?
Fresh, delicious, friendly, committed, local.
Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen local locations:
- The Woodlands: 3335 College Park Dr #300, The Woodlands, TX 77384
- Conroe: 3915 W Davis #180, Conroe, TX 77304
Follow Russo’s The Woodlands on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/russoswoodlands and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/russoswoodlands/.
To learn more about Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Italian Kitchen The Woodlands and view the menu, visit their website at nypizzeria.com.
0 comments