A popular Houston-based pizza brand is coming to Fresno in a big way with a five-unit franchise agreement. The husband-and-wife team of Katharina and Don Haines are bringing Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen to the Central Valley after falling in love with “that perfect slice of pizza” while living in Texas, according to a news release.

The Haines recently moved back to California after Katharina spent may years working in event management and marketing while Don spent more than 30 years in the power plant business. Don comes from an Italian family while Katharina spent most of her life in Europe, “so it was important for them to invest in a brand with authentic Italian food,” according to the release.