Local Voices
Russos Bring Family Pizza Operation to Downtown
The big red sign is right in the middle of Pearl River.
Michael Russo is a third-generation pizza man.
He took over Fordham Pizza, which had been part of downtown Pearl River since 1969. Russo’s House Of Pizza and its big red sign is now present and growing.
Russo and pizzerias are in the family tradition.
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His grandparents owned House of Pizza in West Nyack and his aunt used to own House of Pizza in Pearl River.
Michael’s dad, Dr. Roger Russo, a chiropractor, proudly now helps his son Michael, as he did his father. Ginny, Michael’s mom, runs the front, makes the sauce and keeps the recipe a secret. Shawn, Michael’s older brother, plumber by day, runs several night shifts. And Jennifer, Michael’s fiancé, now joins in helping with the phones.
Find out what's happening in Pearl Riverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Among the innovations—a whole wheat pizza AND a gluten-free pizza. Plus the shop takes credit cards, which Fordham Pizza did not.
“And we have the best Garlic Knots in the county,” said Dr. Russo.
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