Tony Roma's opens fast-casual unit

DALLAS — Tony Roma's has opened a fast-casual concept called "Fast & Casual." The first store opened in Wellington, Fla., on June 29.

 

The new concept features appetizers, sandwiches, soups and salads as well as several famous Tony Roma's menu items.

 

"We are very excited about the launch of our first 'fast-casual' restaurant," said Marc Buehler, chief operating officer of Romacorp. "The Tony Roma's brand is well known around the world and we have an extremely loyal guest base in south Florida, so we wanted to introduce it here first."

 

Buehler said the menu, atmosphere and service system are completely different from the traditional full-service Tony Roma's. The restaurant features a center "Sauce Bar" where all the famous Tony Roma's sauces such as Original, Carolina Honeys, Red Hots and Blue Ridge Smokies, as well as other specialty condiments, are available to complement the menu items.

 

The Wellington Tony Roma's Fast & Casual restaurant is located in a new shopping center which features a number of other retail and dining concepts. The restaurant is 2,800 square feet and seats 85 for lunch and dinner.

 

"Takeout is also a huge target for us in this concept,"  Buehler said. "We have designed the restaurant to provide an opportunity for our guests to be served great, quality food very quickly and efficiently and also to allow a separate area for call-ahead or pick-up service."