HOUSTON – Chef Anthony Russo, the creative culinary mind, founder and CEO of chef-driven concepts Russo’s New York Pizzeria and Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen, is attending the Gulfood Show upon announcing a growth strategy to expand both brands’ international footprint across the Middle East, specifically targeting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Israel and Egypt. This bold growth phase is reflective of the brands’ ever-growing presence in the region, with locations already in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Likewise, the first Russo’s Coal-Fired Italian Kitchen is scheduled to open later this year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia joining the Russo’s New York Pizzeria already in the market. The brand plans to add 30 franchise locations to the Middle East region in the next three years. As part of this effort, Chef Anthony Russo will be meeting with interested and qualified investors while at the Gulfood 2018 food show (Booth #S3-D10). The event will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and runs February 18 – 22. Additionally, Chef Anthony Russo will be hosting a Discovery Day from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. February 23 – 24 at the Russo’s New York Pizzeria Green’s location (Panorama Building, Dubai, UAE 04-4561229). Prospective franchisees are welcome to sample Russo’s Italian cuisines and authentic, New York-