Tony Roma’s Accelerates US Growth with New Development Agreement

Addition of second new Tony Roma’s US franchisee in a week reflects excitement generated by Tony Roma’s recent brand transformation

ORLANDO, Fla. – April 19, 2017 – Romacorp, Inc., the parent company of Tony Roma’s, announces the signing of a new development agreement with experienced restauranteurs T&J Food Groups I, Inc., bringing Tony Roma’s world-famous ribs to fans in Tennessee. This is the second new US agreement for Tony Roma’s in a week and reflects the strong momentum Tony Roma’s has seen in discussions with new and existing franchisees since the October 2016 grand opening of the new global prototype restaurant in Orlando, Florida. Following extensive consumer research, the new global prototype is a brand transformation for Tony Roma’s and includes a complete overhaul of the restaurant environment, service approach and food and beverage offerings to meet the demands of today’s consumer.

“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 US store base, and the global prototype has clearly had that impact,” said Stephen K. Judge, President and Chief Executive Officer 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.”

This development agreement follows closely on the heels of last week’s announcement of a new US franchise agreement for West Palm Beach, Florida, marking the addition of Tony Roma’s first new US franchisee since 2011. Romacorp also recently announced the signing of 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

“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!”

This string of landmark growth announcements come as Tony Roma’s celebrates its 45th birthday, an incredible milestone unmatched by any American casual dining restaurant chain. Since first opening its doors in Miami, Florida in 1972, Tony Roma’s has become one of the most globally recognized brands in the restaurant industry. With restaurants in more than 30 countries around the world, Tony Roma’s continued growth has established the brand as the largest casual dining chain in the world specializing in ribs.

About Romacorp, Inc.

Romacorp, Inc., is the parent company of Tony Roma’s restaurants, the world’s largest casual dining concept specializing in ribs. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Romacorp, Inc. has more than 150 restaurant locations in more than 30 countries and is one of the most globally recognizable names in the industry. The first Tony Roma’s restaurant opened 45 years ago in North Miami, Florida. Tony Roma’s is also proud to partner with the Make-A-Wish Foundation (CNFL.Wish.org), one of the world’s leading children’s charities, in an effort to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses across Central and Northern Florida. For more information about Romacorp, Inc. and Tony Roma’s, visit TonyRomas.com.

Please visit TonyRomasFranchise.com or call (866) 981-0586 for information about Tony Roma’s franchising opportunities.

Media Contact:
Esther McIlvain
Uproar PR for Romacorp, Inc.
(321) 236-0102 x 230
emcilvain@uproarpr.com