Did you know that Tony Roma’s, once a rib-lovers paradise with over 150 locations, now has fewer than 90 restaurants worldwide?
This decline tells a story of rapid growth, financial setbacks, and evolving tastes. What happened to this once-iconic chain?
From struggling franchise locations to trying new concepts, Tony Roma’s has faced some major challenges. But the brand isn’t done yet. Let’s explore how Tony Roma’s is fighting to stay relevant in today’s competitive dining scene.
Tony Roma’s Restaurant Revival
New Ownership and Leadership
Ever wondered what’s happening over at Tony Roma’s? The iconic restaurant is getting a major transformation, thanks to its new owners, Equity Investors of New England.
Their big plan? Expand and franchise Tony Roma’s into the ultimate rib-loving spot worldwide. Leading this mission is Ramon Bourgeois, the new COO and acting CEO of Romacorp Inc., the team behind Tony Roma’s.
Bourgeois brings an impressive background, having worked with brands like The Cheesecake Factory and Legal Seafoods, and he’s all set to revamp the brand with fresh strategies.
Menu Innovations and Concepts
Tony Roma’s is upping its game with 35 new items on the menu. Whether you’re a rib enthusiast or just trying out the place, there’s something for everyone.
A standout is their new “Bones and Bites”—small plates packed with flavor. The Pork-Strami Ribs are a fan favorite, with ribs marinated in a pastrami brine and topped with agave mustard glaze.
For the non-rib fans, there are tasty chicken and salad options, like Fried Chicken with a waffle batter twist and a classic Chicken Caesar Salad.
Meanwhile, Tony Roma’s in Orlando has undergone a stylish makeover, featuring new plateware, cozy seating, and a revamped bar. It’s the perfect mix of fancy and fun.
Tony Roma’s International Expansion
Tony Roma’s journey started in 1979, when they opened their first international location in Japan. Since then, the brand has expanded globally, boasting over 90 locations in 20 countries today.
Their success lies in smart location choices, menu updates, and continuous brand evolution, ensuring they stay relevant across the globe.
Romacorp Inc. isn’t slowing down either. New locations, like one in Kimball, Tennessee, are set to open, showcasing Tony Roma’s commitment to constant growth and keeping their brand fresh.
Tony Roma’s story is a lesson in how a restaurant can thrive through innovation, smart business strategies, and a little bit of rib-loving magic.
If you’re curious about more restaurant secrets, check out why Champps Restaurant closed or learn what makes a full-service restaurant stand out.
Tony Roma’s Challenges: Financial Struggles and Attempts at Revival
Tony Roma’s, once the go-to spot for finger-lickin’ ribs, faced some tough times in the early 2000s. From over 150 locations in its prime to fewer than 110, the chain struggled, largely due to poor franchise choices and some high-risk financial decisions.
A bold move in 1998 to borrow heavily during a recapitalization stage backfired. By 2005, Tony Roma’s was filing for bankruptcy, marking the beginning of its downfall.
The 2008 financial crisis only worsened matters. Many franchisees couldn’t survive, and Tony Roma’s failed to keep up with changing consumer tastes and expectations.
Despite these setbacks, Tony Roma’s didn’t give up. They launched new concepts like the Fire Grill & Lounge in Orlando in 2015 and an express concept in 2016. However, financial instability continued to haunt the brand, making it hard to recover fully.
For restaurant enthusiasts, Tony Roma’s story is a lesson in the challenges of managing franchisees, evolving with market demands, and navigating financial hurdles.
Recent Developments and Closures at Tony Roma’s
In recent years, Tony Roma’s has faced a wave of closures, reflecting the brand’s struggle to stay relevant. A prime example is the closure in Spokane in 2021.
Despite being a well-loved spot, it shut down due to a cool-off in brand excitement and difficulties with its location on Division Street.
Similarly, the Modesto location, which had served the community for 16 years, closed in 2020, hit hard by economic slowdown and internal chain issues.
Impact of Closures: These closures go beyond financial struggles. Long-time regulars lose a favorite dining spot, employees are left without jobs, and local businesses feel the absence of foot traffic that Tony Roma’s once generated.
Future Plans and Growth Strategies:
Despite these setbacks, Tony Roma’s isn’t giving up. They have plans to rejuvenate the brand by:
- Spicing up the menu, introducing new dishes(menu) alongside classic favorites to attract a broader audience.
- Restaurant makeovers, aiming for a modern, inviting atmosphere to draw in more diners.
- Enhancing customer service with new training programs and loyalty rewards, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable dining experience.
Additionally, expansion plans are on the horizon, both in the U.S. and internationally. They’re partnering with local entrepreneurs and influencers to rebuild the brand’s presence and appeal.
If you’re keeping an eye on the food industry, Tony Roma’s evolution is worth watching as they work to reclaim their spot in the restaurant world. You can learn more about Tony Roma’s on Wikipedia.
