Established
1972
Franchise Units
100
Minimum Investment
$1,500,000
Franchise Fee
$50,000
Total Investment Range
$3,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
When it comes to legendary ribs and classic American comfort food, few names carry the same recognition as Tony Roma's. Built around its world-famous Baby Back Ribs, this iconic brand has been serving guests for decades with a simple promise: bold flavors, warm hospitality, and an unforgettable dining experience.
Tony Roma’s stands tall in the competitive U.S. casual dining space by combining heritage with innovation. It offers a polished yet relaxed dining atmosphere, a diverse menu featuring ribs, steaks, seafood, burgers, and handcrafted cocktails, and a brand identity rooted in authenticity. The concept appeals to families, professionals, tourists, and loyal repeat customers who associate the name with quality and consistency.
For franchise investors in the United States, Tony Roma’s represents more than a restaurant—it’s a globally recognized dining brand with deep roots, strong operational systems, and significant growth potential in prime urban, suburban, and travel-focused markets. As consumer demand for experiential dining continues to rise, the brand’s strong identity and menu differentiation position it as a compelling opportunity in the full-service restaurant category.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
1. Globally Recognized Brand
Tony Roma’s is a household name in the casual dining segment, known especially for its award-winning ribs and signature sauces. Brand recognition reduces customer acquisition friction and supports faster ramp-up in new markets.
2. Proven Full-Service Model
The concept has been refined over decades, offering a tested operational framework with standardized recipes, kitchen systems, and guest service protocols.
3. Broad Customer Appeal
The menu caters to families, groups, business lunches, and dinner occasions, generating multiple dayparts of revenue including dine-in, takeout, catering, and bar sales.
4. Flexible Format Options
From traditional freestanding restaurants to mall, lifestyle center, and travel-adjacent locations, the brand can adapt to high-traffic areas across the USA.
5. Strong Food Margins & Menu Engineering
Signature ribs, combo platters, and premium beverages create opportunities for high average ticket values and attractive gross margins.
Background
Established: 1972
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Founder: Tony Roma
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Industry Category: Casual Dining / Full-Service Restaurant
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Franchise Active Units: 100+ locations globally across multiple countries
Tony Roma’s began in 1972 in North Miami, Florida, when founder Tony Roma opened a neighborhood restaurant that quickly gained fame for its signature Baby Back Ribs. Word spread fast, and the brand grew from a local favorite into an internationally recognized dining concept.
Over the decades, Tony Roma’s expanded across North America and into international markets, becoming synonymous with premium ribs and American dining. The brand has undergone several ownership transitions, refining its positioning and strengthening its franchise infrastructure to remain competitive in the evolving casual dining industry.
In the U.S., Tony Roma’s operates within the highly competitive full-service restaurant segment, competing with steakhouse and American grill concepts. What sets it apart is its heritage-driven identity and strong focus on its signature product—ribs—while offering a diversified menu that drives repeat visits.
Support Training
Tony Roma’s provides a structured and comprehensive support system designed to help franchisees launch successfully and operate efficiently.
Pre-Launch Support
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Site selection guidance and demographic analysis
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Lease negotiation assistance
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Restaurant layout and design consultation
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Construction and build-out standards support
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Equipment sourcing recommendations
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Pre-opening marketing campaigns
Training Program
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In-depth management training at certified training locations
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Kitchen operations and food preparation training
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Service excellence and guest experience training
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POS system and reporting training
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Inventory control and cost management education
Operational Support
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Field support representatives
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Standardized recipes and supply chain systems
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Vendor and procurement guidance
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Operational audits and performance reviews
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Menu updates and product development
Marketing & Branding Support
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National brand campaigns
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Social media and digital marketing templates
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Grand opening marketing kits
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Loyalty and promotional strategies
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Brand compliance and local store marketing guidance
Ongoing Support
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Continuous training updates
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Performance benchmarking
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New product rollouts
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Technology upgrades
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Franchisee network collaboration and best-practice sharing
Ideal Candidate
Tony Roma’s is best suited for:
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Experienced restaurant operators or multi-unit franchisees
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Hospitality professionals with strong leadership skills
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Investors with full-service restaurant management experience
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Entrepreneurs with access to prime retail locations
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Groups seeking scalable restaurant portfolios
Ideal candidates should demonstrate:
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Strong financial capability and access to capital
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Operational discipline and team management skills
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Commitment to brand standards
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Customer-focused mindset
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Willingness to engage actively in community marketing
Given the full-service model, franchisees should be comfortable managing staff, overseeing food quality, and delivering consistent guest experiences.
Financial Detail
| Investment Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $1,500,000 – $3,000,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | Approx. $1.5 Million |
| Leasehold Improvements / Build-Out | $700,000 – $1,500,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Fixtures | $400,000 – $700,000 |
| Furniture, Décor & Signage | $150,000 – $350,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $30,000 – $60,000 |
| Technology & POS Systems | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Pre-Opening Marketing Budget | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Approx. 5% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing / Brand Fund Contribution | 1% – 3% of Gross Sales |
| Estimated Break-Even Timeline | 2 – 4 Years (Market Dependent) |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Catering, Bar Sales, Private Events |
