Russo's New York Pizzeria Opened in Tempe
The New York-style pizza franchise has officially launched its second Valley location near campus.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Dining Out
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Russo's New York Pizzeria has opened a new restaurant at 521 S. College Avenue in Tempe. Owned by Kristina and Christian Alvarez, the eatery is the second location for the franchise in the Valley.
Why it matters
The new restaurant brings the brand's specific pizza preparation methods, including long-fermentation dough and seed oil-free cooking, to the Tempe area. It joins an existing Valley location in Mesa.
The new Tempe site at 521 S. College Avenue utilizes pizza dough that undergoes a 24-hour fermentation process. The kitchen excludes the use of seed oils in its cooking preparation.
The players
Kristina and Christian Alvarez
They are the husband-and-wife team who own and manage the new Russo's New York Pizzeria franchise location in Tempe.
Russo's New York Pizzeria
This is a pizza franchise that specializes in New York-style pies, fresh pasta, and traditional Italian cooking methods.
The details
Franchisees Kristina and Christian Alvarez operate the site, which focuses on fresh-made pasta and scratch-made dough. The restaurant is situated near Arizona State University.
Timeline
October 4, 2026: The restaurant officially opened its doors to the public in Tempe.
Culture Shift
The opening reflects the ongoing trend of fast-casual brands scaling operations in high-density areas surrounding major universities. This expansion signals a shift toward prioritizing fresh, scratch-made ingredients in high-traffic commercial corridors.
Residents and students near the Tempe campus now have a new option for scratch-made pasta and pizza within walking distance. The location offers an alternative dining experience that avoids the use of seed oils for health-conscious diners.
The takeaway
Choosing local franchise locations that prioritize long-fermentation processes can provide a different texture and quality compared to standard fast-food pizza. Diners looking for specific dietary accommodations like seed oil-free meals should verify menu ingredients with restaurant staff.
Further reading
Explore more local food news in Tempe Dining Out.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTAR.
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