Romano's first restaurant was founded by restaurateur Philip J. Romano (who had also founded the hamburger chain Fuddruckers in 1979; he had sold his shares in that company when he founded Romano's[4]) in Leon Springs, Texas (now a district of San Antonio), on April 19, 1988.[5][6] The location would later be occupied by Burkle's The Grill at Leon Springs, which closed in May of 2021 after a fire.[7]
Brinker announced on August 8, 2007, that it would begin exploring a buyer for the 230 company-owned stores. On December 18, 2008, Brinker announced that a majority stake in the chain was sold to Mac Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital. As of June 29, 2011, Brinker still holds a 15.6% minority interest in the concept.[8]
On February 6, 2013, Ignite Restaurant Group announced the acquisition of Romano's Macaroni Grill from Golden Gate Capital through a $55.0 million all-cash transaction.[9] Redrock Partners LLC purchased the concept from Ignite in April 2015 for $8 million.[10][11]
On October 18, 2017, Romano's Macaroni Grill filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.[12]
On September 21, 2018, Romano's bought Sullivan's Steakhouse for $32 million.[13]
In July, 2023, Jason Kemp became President and Chief Executive Officer of Romano's Macaroni Grill. Jason Kemp was the former President & CEO & owner of multiple restaurant chains including Furr's Fresh Buffet, Ryan's Steakhouse, Old Country Buffet, Hometown Buffet, Sushi Zushi, Zio's Italian Kitchen, Tahoe Joe's and more. Jason Kemp has been named in multiple lawsuits alleging serious fraud and theft of money from both his business partners and the federal government.[14][15][16][17]
Products
Romano's Macaroni Grill menu features items found in traditional cuisine from Italy and the Mediterranean area. The menu includes a custom-assembled pasta dish, with a choice of pastas, sauces, and toppings. Meals are served with complimentary bread and olive oil.[18]
In addition to their restaurants, the brand also features a line of packaged food products based on dishes offered by the restaurant. The packages are manufactured by General Mills Restaurant Favorites line.[19]
Nutrition
In 2007, Men's Health rated Romano's Macaroni Grill one of the unhealthiest restaurant chains, giving it an 'F' on its "Restaurant Report Card." According to the report, an average meal from the chain contains over 1,000 calories.[20] Three years later, however, the magazine rated Macaroni Grill as the healthiest Italian chain, noting that a number of entrees had significantly decreased in calorie count. This was attributed to the hiring of a new CEO with a "multiphase plan to improve the nutritional quality."[21]
Gallery
A Romano's in Burlington, MA in September, 2008 (closed in February 2017, now Eddie V's)
^Cuff, Daniel F. (November 9, 1988). "BUSINESS PEOPLE; Founder of Fuddruckers Goes On to Next Course". nytimes.com. New York Times. Retrieved December 9, 2024. Mr. Romano relocated to Texas in 1976 and opened his Fuddruckers a few years later. Now he has sold his stock in Fuddruckers as well and is devoting all his time to his investments and ventures under Romano Enterprises in San Antonio.
^Goulding, Matt (November 9, 2007). "Restaurant Report Card". Men's Health. Hearst Digital Media. Retrieved June 13, 2018. Macaroni Grill earns its F with a menu full of 1,500 calorie pastas...Even lunch portions and salads have more than 1,000 calories.
^Carter, Clint (December 18, 2010). "Restaurant Report Card". Men's Health. Hearst Digital Media. Retrieved March 31, 2019. Macaroni Grill used to be one of the most fattening sit-down chains in America. But things took a sharp turn for the better when the company recruited a new CEO in 2008. What followed was a multiphase plan to improve the nutritional quality of the entrees, and the chain has since become the caloric conscience of the red-sauce restaurants.
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