Tony romas story

Tony Roma’s is a full service, casual dining family restaurant where you can find premier BBQ ribs and steaks in locations across the world. With over 100 family restaurant locations on five continents, Tony Roma’s is one of the most globally recognizable names in the industry.

Three pictures Picture one is a picture of the outside of the first Tony Roma’s restaurant located in the city of Miami with 1950’s cars parked on front.

1970s

The first Tony Roma’s was opened in North Miami, Florida on January 20, 1972. Soon after Tony Roma’s signature item, the Baby Back Ribs emerged as one of the house specialties. People traveled from far away to experience the famous creation. On January 1976, Clint Murchison Jr., owner of the Dallas Cowboys, bought most of the U.S. franchise rights and founded Roma Corporation.

Three pictures First picture is a picture of the front entrance of a Tony Roma’s (location unknown).

1990s

The 90’s were a busy and monumental time for Tony Roma’s. Not only did the company begin with an aggressive expansion in Asia, but also began offering two additional barbecue sauces: Blue Ridge Smokies and Red Hots to be exact. Along with an expansion in Southeast Asia, Tony Roma’s opened in South America with locations in Peru and Venezuela, along with a location in Central America in El Salvador. But wait, we can’t forget about the introduction of the Romarita (cocktails just make a meal better)!

2010s - Beyond

Powered by fun, freedom and sauce, Tony Roma’s has celebrated over 50 years of business! Tony Roma’s debuts its new global prototype, positioning the brand for future domestic and international growth. In 2021, the company was acquired by Equity Investors of New England. Paving the way to repositioning the brand, by reducing the size of the restaurants from 8,000sf to 3,000sf and launching a new fast casual concept Bones & Burgers.

1980s

Tony Roma's growth accelerates in the US and Internationally. With over 120 US restaurants opening in the US and 31 international openings, Tony Roma’s becomes the largest restaurant chain specializing in Baby Back Ribs. Tony Roma’s won “Best Ribs in America” in a national rib-eating contest, judged by an international panel, in Cleveland, Ohio. Going forward, Tony Roma’s would win this award many more times.

2000s

Even with the retiring of Chef David Smith, our original chef, and the loss of our founder Tony Roma; their legacy lived on in the kitchen! Between the years of 2001 and 2006 Tony Roma’s began to experiment with new menu items — one dish stole the show, our Famous Kickin’ Shrimp. Things began to gain momentum with the introduction of Executive Chef Bob Gallagher in the year 2006. Bringing an extensive culinary background, including the ability to blend flavors from all over the world; Chef Gallagher began to bring Tony Roma’s to the forefront of polished casual restaurants.

Since its beginning over 50 years ago, Tony Roma’s has been focused on serving its signature Baby Back Ribs. The company has won numerous awards across the country for the “Best Ribs” and also has won nationally acclaimed industry recognition as “The Best Ribs in America.” Tony Roma’s is not just a place for ribs anymore. We have expanded our menu to focus on variety for all guests; not just rib eaters. We have an extensive selection of Steaks and Seafood entrees along with the most unique appetizers and desserts in our segment today. We have redesigned our buildings and our service to meet the ever-changing mindset of our guests.