Russo's Restaurants, the family of dining concepts that includes Russo's New York Pizzeria and Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, plans to 12 to 15 restaurants during the year in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Bahrain.

The three existing outlets in the UAE will be backed by a significant enhancement the brands' footprint in the Middle East and Asia, a statement said.

The brand is also expansion in several cities in the US including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin.

In 2013 Russo's expanded into two new states in the US -- Arkansas & Oklahoma. It also kicked off 2014 with the opening of the company's first Hawaii location in Ewa Beach.

Russo’s New York Pizzeria will be participating at The World Franchise Forum & Exhibition taking place on May 20 and 21 at Grosvenor House Hotel, in Dubai Marina.

"Our franchise opportunities can't be beat,” said Suzanne Boyadjian, Russo’s international franchise development manager.

"For those looking to develop a territory with one of the best pizza concepts or a distinctive full-service Italian restaurant, our award winning concepts are sure to impress. Our program is designed for franchise partners that are looking for the chance to own part of a brand that is built to stand the test of time – a pair of proven concepts."

Anthony Russo, owner of the award-winning Russo’s New York Pizzeria, is currently exhibiting at the Sial China, Asia’s leading Food & Beverage exhibition taking place until May 15 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

“We've exceeded our growth goals," said Chef Anthony Russo, a formally trained chef who opened his first Russo's New York Pizzeria in 1992 and later developed Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen. "Russo's expansion just cannot be contained, and we are pleased to provide our loyal fans with additional Russo's locations around the world.”

The pizza chain has an optimistic agenda for business development in international markets. With the logistics already in place, Russo plans on selling area development in several Asian and Middle Eastern markets resulting in numerous franchise opportunities.

“We already have some serious interests in this region and beyond as we are aiming to build a global brand. We are extremely excited about the opportunities that both shows bring,” Russo said.

Franchisees have found success in Russo's proven concepts – the New York Pizzeria is family-style casual, and the Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen is a bit more upscale full-service concept.

Russo’s franchisees also have access to a top-notch training programme, ongoing franchisor support and the convenience of tapping into Russo's resources and proven concepts. – TradeArabia News Service