Tony Roma's Careers and Employment

The Tony Roma’s Legend

The early 1970’s were a time of change: New York City struggled to hold onto its claim as the entertainment capital of the world, while Chicago, Miami and upstart Hollywood were wrestling away the “bright lights and big city” stars and the prestige that accompanied them. In the heart of Chicago, a young jetsetter named Tony Roma was fashioning the Playboy Club’s reputation for, among other things, the ultimate in swank dining and entertainment.

Tony had found favor with e...Show less

The Tony Roma’s Legend

The early 1970’s were a time of change: New York City struggled to hold onto its claim as the entertainment capital of the world, while Chicago, Miami and upstart Hollywood were wrestling away the “bright lights and big city” stars and the prestige that accompanied them. In the heart of Chicago, a young jetsetter named Tony Roma was fashioning the Playboy Club’s reputation for, among other things, the ultimate in swank dining and entertainment.

Tony had found favor with entertainment’s in-crowd, and when Playboy’s headquarters followed the stars to the West coast, Tony chose, instead, to follow his own star to Miami. On January 20, 1972, Tony opened a “funky roadhouse” style cocktail lounge in North Miami that instantly became a popular hangout for the entertainers he knew from his days in Chicago. When it opened, Tony Roma’s Place served great burgers and steaks. People came from all around to dine there and rub elbows with the stars, as the restaurant’s late night impromptu comedy and sing-along’s featured the era’s biggest headliners.

One weekend in 1972, Tony decided to throw some baby back ribs on the grill and offer something new to his guests. As with many of the restaurant’s offerings, Tony had no intention of adding ribs to the permanent menu. But everyone who tried these succulent baby backs, made with Tony’s “secret recipe,” left him no choice! Suddenly his restaurant had become the place for ribs, and the Tony Roma’s legend was born.

Tony’s ribs were the hottest things around when entrepreneur, friend and then owner of the Dallas Cowboys Clint Murchison, asked Tony what he thought about expanding. Clint and his football team couldn’t get enough of Tony’s ribs, and wouldn’t settle for their occasional trips to play the Miami Dolphins to get them. Shortly afterwards Tony Roma’s were going up across Texas, the country and the world.

As with all living legends, there’s still some mystique surrounding Tony Roma – the man and his story – but one thing is undeniable: The Tony Roma’s concept has universal appeal, as shown by its award winning success.

Tony Roma’s pioneered the “Original Baby Back Ribs,” considered the highest quality ribs available in today’s market. Recognized as an industry leader and the premier casual dining rib restaurant in the United States, Tony Roma’s has established a proven niche in the marketplace. Due to phenomenal success and impressive growth, Tony Roma’s no longer competes just against other rib or barbecue restaurants. Instead, Tony Roma’s has become one of the most globally recognized names in the industry.Show less