Tony Roma’s Restaurant Refresh Gets Positive Review from Top Orlando Food Critic

Smaller portions, creative rib offerings and an expanded bar menu are welcome innovations for Tony Roma’s restaurant fans

A popular Orlando food critic has given his seal of approval to the Tony Roma’s restaurant menu refresh, which was recently unveiled in conjunction with our International Drive restaurant redesign. Scott Joseph, founder of Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide, chronicled his recent visit to our new updated I-Drive location to try our expanded menu and check out our new look.

Tony Roma’s has always been THE place for RIBS. Our fans have been rolling up their sleeves and enjoying our mouthwatering, craveable ribs for nearly 45 years. Today our iconic brand is stronger than ever, with a new restaurant design and a popular new menu. We’ve stayed loyal to the core DNA that has made us famous worldwide, and we’re attracting the next generation of loyal Tony Roma’s customers as we work toward the goal of 250 new locations over the next decade. We offer a lower initial investment than many upscale casual dining, full-service restaurants.

The new expanded restaurant is a draw for local diners and visitors to the popular International Drive area, especially those who want to enjoy the expansive outdoor dining space and bar.

“The refurbishment includes a spiffed up and brighter interior with a welcoming indoor/outdoor bar in the main room, and expanded patio dining that includes a corner fireplace and a commanding view of the Coca-Cola Eye,” wrote the Orlando food critic.

From signature drinks to desserts, Tony Roma’s restaurant menu gets a thumbs up

Scott, whose blog is a Best of Edible Orlando Best Local Food Blog winner, had praise for our new Bones & Bites selection, calling it a “smart move,” and mentioned our new bar menu which features local brews, although he opted for our classic twist on the martini, the Romatini. Scott sampled an array of new menu items, including our innovative new takes on ribs — the lamb ribs, pastrami pork ribs and crispy pork ribs.

“Think of this sort of a tapas selection for people who don’t want a huge meal but still want to try some ribs and other classic fare,” Scott wrote. “If you were afraid that the Bones & Bites menu was indicating that Tony was going all small-portioned on you, desserts will set the record straight. The new offerings include Banana Cream Pie, Red Velvet Cheesecake, Seasonal Cobbler, and Crispy Brownie Bite Sundae.”

Prime locations available nationwide

The International Drive prototype signals a new focus on growing Tony Roma’s domestically, with a goal of 250 new locations over the next 10 years. For savvy investors looking for a sound investment, we have significant room for growth in major metropolitan areas, shopping malls and secondary markets.

Not only is the open floor plan featured at our I-Drive prototype restaurant more aesthetically pleasing, modern and elegant, but it is also a better buy. We’ve also changed our preferred building model from freestanding to an in-line, end cap or mall location. These restaurants are more flexible to locate and allow franchisees to get closer to their core customer base. Because these models typically involve a lease, the launch process is simplified — minus building permits, contractors and other building processes. This new model is significantly less expensive and is also faster to build.

Learn more about Tony Roma’s

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