Multi-Brand Magnate Adds Russo's Restaurants to Portfolio

Zafar "Jeff" Moosa's franchise portfolio already includes Taco Bell, Captain D's, and Golden Chick, and previous experience with Jack in the Box and Church's Chicken. Now, the restaurant mogul has signed a development deal with Russo's Restaurants, which includes Russo's New York Pizzeria and Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen.

Moosa has acquired the Richardson, Texas location of Russo's Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, and his agreement will expand Russo's Restaurants throughout the Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio markets.

With 30 years of restaurant experience, Moosa will continue Russo's initiative to open dozens of locations across Texas. The Houston-based family-focused original Italian concept has been growing throughout the state, especially in large cities such as Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas. In 2018, the brand's key development focus in Texas is on the Dallas and Fort Worth territories in addition to three in-state openings, one in Austin and two in Houston.