2017 Has Been a Banner Year for Tony Roma’s Franchise

Our brand enjoys continued international success, while entering new U.S. markets

2017 has been an exciting year of U.S. and global expansion for iconic brand Tony Roma’s. We celebrated our 45th birthday and an exciting new menu and restaurant design, which debuted at our flagship Orlando location on International Drive in 2016, sparking a new wave of interest from experienced U.S. investors.

Tony Roma’s franchise U.S. expansion kicked off with the announcement of a new Florida location inside the Hilton Hotel at West Palm Beach Airport. This was quickly followed by news of an agreement in Tennessee as well as an exciting landmark deal that will bring eight new Tony Roma’s restaurants to Colorado and Idaho. At the same time, our strong international presence continues to gain momentum in both existing and new markets in Europe, Asia and Central America.

“Last year’s brand transformation received rave reviews and Tony Roma’s has benefited from a resurgence in interest from prospective and existing franchisees,” said Bradley Scher, President and Chief Executive Officer of Romacorp, Inc. “This recent spate of U.S. development agreements is testament to the continued relevance and resilience of a brand that prides itself on delivering a one-of-a-kind experience for its fans. We are excited to work with these new investors in Tony Roma’s, and believe this surge of U.S. expansion is a strong indicator of the positive direction we are headed in in 2018.”

Tony Roma’s is 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 innovative 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.

After years of fast-paced international expansion, Tony Roma’s is focused on domestic growth, planning to open 250 new locations over the next 10 years. With a new polished casual restaurant design and updated menu that stays true to our brand DNA that made us famous, we’re connecting with our long-time fans who grew up with Tony Roma’s while at the same time reaching younger diners.

Customer loyalty and brand refresh attract investors

Tony Roma’s new “polished casual” restaurant design stands out in the struggling casual dining markets and flexes to meet a variety of dining styles, from sports fans enjoying draft beer and small bites on the patio to families who prefer dining indoors at a booth. This brand refresh is just one reason Tony Roma’s is getting renewed interest from experienced U.S. operators like Bruce Rahmani, who just signed a landmark eight-unit agreement that is bringing the Tony Roma’s brand to new fans in Colorado and Idaho. We’re also finding placement in nontraditional locations like hotels, such as Bruce’s downtown Ramada Plaza Hotel located near the Colorado Convention Center.

“I’ve never seen a restaurant franchise with this much customer loyalty,” says Bruce, president of Colorado Hospitality Services. “Tony Roma’s has instant brand awareness and investors can benefit from it. The build up of business will not take as long as with new brands, making it a shorter time to become profitable.”

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