How Tony Roma’s Is Trying To Make A Comeback In The U.S.
At its heyday in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, Tony Roma’s, which specializes in baby back ribs, steaks and burgers, grew to 193 outlets. In many cities, there was always a Tony Roma, such as the one in the heart of Greenwich Village on 6th Avenue near 8th Street. Then it fell on hard times, and by 2024, it had dwindled to 86 locations, fewer than half of its former stable of eateries.
And it has moved, for the most part, overseas. Of its 86 locations, only10 are located in the U.S., which includes 2 in Los Angeles and 1 in Las Vegas. But most are in international locations including Berlin, Madrid, Tokyo, and Dubai. Every single outlet is franchised, and there are no company-owned eateries.
It was acquired by one of its international franchises, which purchased the whole company in 2021 during the pandemic. In June 2023, it named Mohaimina “Mina” Haque as CEO, a seasoned attorney with a particular emphasis in franchise law. She had previously served as outside general counsel at Tony Roma’s for three years. Her LinkedIn description says she is known for “driving growth and innovation.”
