Established
1988
Franchise Units
40
Minimum Investment
$2,500,000
Franchise Fee
$45,000
Total Investment Range
$4,500,000
Home Based
No
Description
The Romano's Macaroni Grill franchise represents a compelling opportunity to own and operate a well-known Italian casual dining brand with deep roots in the American restaurant industry. Known for its warm hospitality, scratch-made Italian-American cuisine, and inviting trattoria-style atmosphere, Romano’s Macaroni Grill has earned strong brand recognition among families, professionals, and casual diners across the United States.
The concept blends timeless Italian recipes with contemporary dining expectations. Guests enjoy hand-crafted pasta dishes, wood-grilled entrées, flatbreads, and a full-service bar program featuring wine, cocktails, and Italian-inspired beverages. The open-kitchen design, communal feel, and polished-yet-relaxed service model position the brand perfectly within the casual dining segment—appealing to both everyday diners and special-occasion guests.
From an investor standpoint, Romano’s Macaroni Grill stands out as a scalable, full-service restaurant concept backed by years of operational refinement. Its menu versatility, alcohol-driven revenue mix, and strong dine-in appeal allow franchisees to build a business that benefits from repeat local traffic while also capturing destination dining demand. For entrepreneurs seeking a recognized Italian restaurant franchise with proven systems and national brand awareness, Romano’s Macaroni Grill offers a well-rounded and attractive opportunity in the U.S. market.
Why Invest in Romano’s Macaroni Grill Franchise?
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Established Brand Recognition – A familiar name in Italian casual dining with loyal customer followings in multiple U.S. markets.
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Full-Service Revenue Model – Multiple income streams from dine-in, bar sales, catering, and off-premise dining.
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Broad Customer Appeal – Menu and ambiance attract families, business diners, couples, and group celebrations.
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Refined Operating Systems – Decades of experience have resulted in standardized recipes, training programs, and cost controls.
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Premium Positioning in Casual Dining – Sits comfortably between fast-casual Italian and fine dining, offering higher ticket averages.
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Growth-Friendly Concept – Ideal for experienced multi-unit restaurant operators and hospitality-focused investors seeking scale.
Background
Established Year: 1988
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Founders: Phil Romano
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Industry Category: Casual Dining / Italian Restaurant Franchise
Romano’s Macaroni Grill was founded in 1988 with a vision to bring authentic Italian-inspired cuisine to the American casual dining scene. From its early success, the brand expanded rapidly, becoming a recognizable name across the United States and internationally. Its signature open-kitchen layout, generous portions, and focus on guest experience helped define its market position.
Over the years, the brand has evolved with changing consumer preferences while maintaining its core identity—freshly prepared Italian food served in a welcoming, energetic environment. Today, Romano’s Macaroni Grill operates as a franchise-supported brand with active locations across the U.S., focusing on strategic markets with strong demographics for full-service dining.
The brand is backed by experienced ownership and management teams with deep knowledge of restaurant operations, franchise development, and supply chain management. This foundation allows franchise partners to benefit from an established concept while continuing to grow in key American markets.
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Franchise Active Units: 40+ active restaurant locations operating across key U.S. markets.
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Market Presence: Strong visibility in urban, suburban, and lifestyle retail centers
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Brand Positioning: Upscale casual Italian dining with bar-forward sales mix
Support Training
Romano’s Macaroni Grill provides comprehensive franchise support designed to guide owners from site selection through long-term operations.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Restaurant design standards and layout planning
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Vendor sourcing and equipment specifications
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Pre-opening marketing and launch strategy
Training Programs
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In-depth initial training for franchisees and management teams
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On-site operational training covering kitchen, service, and bar operations
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Recipe execution, food safety, and quality control systems
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Staff hiring, onboarding, and leadership development
Operational & Ongoing Support
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Dedicated franchise business consultants
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Ongoing performance reviews and operational audits
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Menu innovation guidance and seasonal promotions
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Technology systems for POS, inventory, and reporting
Marketing & Brand Support
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National and regional marketing initiatives
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Brand-approved advertising assets and campaigns
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Digital marketing, social media, and local store marketing guidance
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Grand opening and ongoing promotional playbooks
Ideal Candidate
Romano’s Macaroni Grill is best suited for entrepreneurs and investors with a passion for hospitality and operational excellence.
Ideal candidates typically have:
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Prior experience in restaurant, hospitality, or multi-unit retail operations
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Strong leadership and team management capabilities
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Adequate capital resources to support a full-service restaurant buildout
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Commitment to brand standards, guest experience, and quality execution
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Interest in operating in high-traffic retail corridors, lifestyle centers, or suburban trade areas
While restaurant experience is strongly preferred, qualified investors with strong operational partners and a hands-on approach can also succeed within the system.
Financial Detail
| Cost Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | ~$45,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $2.5 million – $4.5 million |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | ~$1.5 million |
| Restaurant Build-Out & Leasehold Improvements | $1.8M – $3.2M |
| Kitchen Equipment & Smallwares | $300,000 – $550,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Décor | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $40,000 – $75,000 |
| Initial Marketing & Grand Opening | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Pre-Opening & Training Expenses | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 months) | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Royalty Fee | ~5% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund Fee | ~2% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Period | 24 – 36 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Bar & Alcohol Sales, Catering, Takeout & Off-Premise |
