NYPD Pizza, the Florida brand founded by Paul Russo, opened its newest location in Winter Park, Florida, on Tuesday, November 5.
NYPD Pizza is known for its New York-style pizza and, among other honors, has been named a Traveler’s Choice Restaurant by TripAdvisor for five straight years (2020-2024).
In a press release sent to PMQ Pizza last month, Russo said he had been forced to close down a Metrowest location in Orlando due to unaffordable rent. He lamented a growing trend of rent hikes that make it difficult for pizza restaurants to stay in business.
“What’s happening isn’t just about small or family-run businesses anymore—it’s hitting everyone,” Russo said. “We’ve been hearing more and more about these aggressive rent increases, and now it’s happened to us. The terms we were presented with were simply unsustainable.”
At that time, however, Russo also stated that the Winter Park franchise store would be opening soon, and that time has arrived.
During its initial opening phase, the Winter Park location will operate with limited hours—4 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily—for the first few weeks. This soft-opening schedule will allow the team to fine-tune operations and ensure the best experience for every guest, the company said.
Once fully up and running, the restaurant will transition to its regular business hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring NYPD Pizza to Winter Park,” said franchise owner Valerie Abreu. “This community has such great energy, and we can’t wait to share the same pizza, hospitality and neighborhood spirit that have made NYPD Pizza a Central Florida favorite.”
NYPD Pizza’s Winter Park location will feature the brand’s signature menu, including classic New York pies, specialty pizzas, wings and subs. It marks NYPD Pizza’s fifth location, and the company has plans for additional expansion throughout Central Florida in the coming years.
