Our History
A family Legacy in Queens Since 1954
For generations, the Russo family has welcomed families throughout Queens and New York to celebrate life’s most meaningful occasions.
Where our story began
Villa Russo’s story began in 1954, when brothers Frank and Joseph Russo, sons of Italian immigrants, opened Russo’s Pizzeria in Richmond Hill, Queens. What began as a neighborhood pizzeria was built around family recipes, warm hospitality, and a commitment to serving the local community.
Through their dedication, hard work, and attention to detail, the Russo brothers expanded their small neighborhood pizzeria to a full-service restaurant, gaining a reputation for producing the highest quality Italian cuisine in Queens, New York. As the requests for their unique recipes poured in and their loyal following grew
In 1975, the Russo Family officially entered the catering business by building a banquet hall adjacent to their existing restaurant and named it Il Palazzo di Villa Russo. Which held its first wedding reception in 1977, and the Russo brothers, Frank and Joseph, discovered that their true passion was catering to the special occasions in the lives of their patrons. Shortly, they became known as the best catering hall in Queens, New York.
Joe Russo, Josephine Russo, and Frank Russo in the kitchen of Russo’s Pizzeria, 1954.
An original Russo’s Italian Restaurant menu from Richmond Hill, Queens, circa 1958.
Russo’s Pizzeria storefront in Richmond Hill, Queens, circa 1958.
Patrons enjoying an afternoon at Russo’s Pizzeria, February 1960.
The Villa Russo Restaurant storefront under construction during its 1968 redesign.
Construction of Il Palazzo di Villa Russo, 1974.
An original Villa Russo Restaurant special events menu from 1968, featuring menus and pricing for weddings, anniversaries, showers, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Stonework being installed during the construction of Il Palazzo di Villa Russo, 1975.
Joe Russo assembling the Il Palazzo di Villa Russo sign, circa 1977.
Construction of the stone fireplace in our Grotto room at Il Palazzo di Villa Russo, 1976.
A 1973 TV Guide advertisement for Villa Russo Ristorante, featuring the private Grotto for weddings, showers, christenings, and office parties.
Inside Villa Russo Restaurant, circa 1968, showcasing the original dining room and its distinctive stonework.
The completed Villa Russo Restaurant storefront following its redesign, circa 1968.
Joe Russo, Josephine Russo, and Frank Russo in the lobby of Il Palazzo di Villa Russo, circa 1981.
The dining room at Villa Russo Restaurant, 1979, reflecting the warm Italian-inspired atmosphere of the original restaurant.
The Next Chapter
For George Russo, Villa Russo has always been more than a family business—it is a place he grew up in. As the son of Frank Russo, George learned the business from the ground up, beginning as a dishwasher and working his way through nearly every part of the operation. From runner and waitstaff to bartender and maître d’, each role gave him firsthand experience in the service and hospitality that shaped Villa Russo.
Frank Russo and his son George Russo working together at Villa Russo, circa 1980s.
Following his father Frank’s passing in 2006, George assumed leadership of the family business as its second-generation owner and operator. Under his direction, Villa Russo has continued its tradition in Richmond Hill while extending the Russo family’s hospitality beyond its original home. In 2026, that legacy expanded to John F. Kennedy International Airport with the opening of Villa Russo Café in Terminal 4.
Today, the next generation is learning the business in much the same way. George’s youngest daughter, Giovana Russo, began as a member of the waitstaff before progressing to cocktail waitress, bartender, and maître d’. Now learning the operational side of Villa Russo, she continues to gain firsthand experience across the business while carrying the Russo family tradition into its third generation.
George Russo and his daughter Giovana Russo working together at Villa Russo, 2026.
Il Palazzo di Villa Russo today, continuing a family legacy that began in Richmond Hill, Queens, in 1954.
Be Part of Our Story
For more than seven decades, Villa Russo has been a place where families and communities come together to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments. Today, our family remains committed to the hospitality, personal service, and traditions that have defined Villa Russo since 1954.
As our story continues, we look forward to welcoming new generations through our doors and becoming part of the celebrations they will remember for years to come.