DALLAS, September 18, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Romacorp, Inc. has tapped industry veteran, Morgan Hull, to head up Research and Development for the 243 unit Tony Roma's restaurant chain.
"We are very excited to bring one of the industry's best talents to Tony Roma's," said Frank Steed, President and CEO of Romacorp. "Morgan has the proven ability to create, develop and implement great-tasting menu items that keep guests coming back."
Hull was the first executive chef for Macaroni Grill in 1990 and also led much of the menu development for On The Border during their expansion throughout the 90's. He was the developer, co-owner and operator of the "Tin Star Cafe," a southwestern-style restaurant concept that was voted one of the "Top 10 New Restaurants in 1999" by D Magazine. The Met also named Tin Star as one of the Top 5 Best New Restaurants in Dallas. The restaurant was featured as the cover story for Restaurant Hospitality Magazine in August 1999. Morgan has also made guest chef appearances on NBC and Fox morning shows as well as the University of North Texas Restaurant and Hospitality programs.
"I am very excited to join the team at Tony Roma's," said Hull. "The brand is legendary throughout the world and we plan to build on our strong guest loyalty with some new and innovative menu enhancements and additions." Hull, who is an honor graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, has won numerous industry awards. He began his professional culinary career at Club Med locations in Florida, Mexico and Colorado as well as at the Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas.
"Morgan is truly one of the most talented food executives in the business," said Sam Rothschild, Senior Vice President of Operations. "He's all about taste, and after you sample one of his creations, you will definitely want to try the rest of the menu. He will absolutely take Tony Roma's to the next level in menu variety and flavor."
Romacorp, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of Tony Roma's, the world's largest casual dining restaurant concept specializing in ribs. The Company currently operates 61 restaurants and franchises 182 restaurants in 29 states and 22 foreign countries and territories. Tony Roma's was started almost 30 years ago in North Miami, Florida and today includes restaurant operations that span 5 continents.