Tony Roma’s Signs New Development Deal to Bring Ribs to Fans in Tennessee

New franchisee signings mark growth and expansion for our company during first half of 2017

It’s been a busy year — with no signs of slowing down — for iconic brand Tony Roma’s. In just one week, we signed two new franchisees, including a significant development deal with experienced restaurateurs T&J Food Groups I, Inc., which will bring our world-famous, mouthwatering ribs to Tennesseans.

“As we were looking to expand our franchise footprint, Tony Roma’s truly stood out among them all, and we are incredibly excited to bring Tony Roma’s to Tennessee,” said Timothy Farris, President of T&J Food Groups I, Inc. “After visiting the new global prototype in Orlando, we were completely ‘wowed’ by the redesigned concept, delectable food and outstanding service. We can’t wait to help Tennessee fans get their rib faces on!”

New global prototype restaurant in Orlando, Florida, sparks a season of growth and momentum

Following extensive consumer research, Tony Roma’s launched our new global prototype in October 2016, which includes a complete overhaul of the restaurant environment, service approach and food and beverage offerings to meet the demands of today’s consumer. This transformation motivated an energy and excitement in growing our brand through both existing and new franchisees.

“One of our most important goals with the brand transformation was to create a ‘wow’ experience that would have an immediate impact on domestic franchising and growing Tony Roma’s U.S store base, and the global prototype has clearly had that impact,” said Jonathan Benjamin of Romacorp, Inc. “Add to that incredible new franchisees like Timothy and Jeanette Farris, who bring a high level of passion for the Tony Roma’s brand and belief in our new direction, and I believe that Tony Roma’s is just beginning to reach its full potential.”

Earlier this year, we announced our first U.S. franchise agreement since 2011 for West Palm Beach, Florida, and a development agreement that will bring Tony Roma’s world famous ribs to Nicaragua for the first time. Additional new domestic and international development agreements are in the works and will be announced in the near future.

Tony Roma’s serves up delicious memories

With 45 years in business, Tony Roma’s is THE place for ribs. We are a brand that generations have grown up with. Decade after decade, we’ve continued to evolve and attract new fans. In our latest U.S. and Canadian expansion push, we’re staying true to our roots even as we adapt our upscale casual restaurant concept for a new generation. What that means, at its core, is focusing on the inviting family atmosphere that made Tony Roma’s such a big hit to begin with.

“Tony Roma’s is a brand that people born in the 70s and 80s grew up loving. Now, these people have their own kids, and this represents a whole new opportunity for growing our brand,” says says Jonathan Benjamin, Vice President of Development for U.S. and Canada. “This is a restaurant brand with powerful nostalgia, and that’s something we’re embracing with our new expansion push. Members of Generation X have strong, positive memories of eating at our restaurants, and we want them to see Tony Roma’s as a place they can relive that nostalgia while sharing it with their kids.”

Join Tony Roma’s ribs franchise as we grow and expand

We’re looking for entrepreneurial, ambitious investors with a minimum of $1 million liquid with a total of $3 million net worth to help us bring Tony Roma’s to a new generation of fans. A solid history of restaurant and hospitality experience is preferred, plus a passion for hospitality and food. Opportunities for growth are available across the U.S. and Canada, and there has never been a more exciting time to invest in our brand.

For in-depth details about the Tony Roma’s franchise opportunity, request our free franchise report. You can also learn more by visiting our research pages.