DALLAS and ATLANTA, March 8, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Tony Roma's, the #1 casual dining brand specializing in ribs, has hired Nancy Bailey & Associates to launch and manage its worldwide brand extension licensing program. The licensing program will leverage the brand's award winning BBQ flavors and menu items, and strong consumer awareness to develop food products and hard goods. Licensed food categories will include refrigerated and frozen beef, pork and chicken products, BBQ Sauces, marinades, dressings and spices, frozen and refrigerated appetizers, meals and side dishes. Hard goods categories will include grilling accessories, grill tools and specialty cookware. New licensing partners will join existing licensees Pierre Foods and Rupari Food Services.
Tony Roma's was founded in 1972 and has since grown into a $500 Million brand with 92% consumer awareness. The restaurant is a perennial winner in the "best ribs" category in restaurant guides and city restaurant polls. There are currently more than 225 restaurants in the United States and 32 other countries and territories. Tony Roma's will open more than 20 new restaurants each year, including two new formats -- Tony Roma's Express and Tony Roma's Fast & Casual, continuing to grow its already strong customer base.
"Tony Roma's is well known for its ribs and other great menu items throughout the world. Consumers know they will get a refreshing dining experience, great service and a quality meal that tastes great. Its #1 ranking with its ribs and other signature menu items make the brand a natural for extension into packaged foods the consumer can enjoy at home," said Nell Roney, President, Nancy Bailey & Associates.
"We are pleased to be working with Nancy Bailey & Associates because of their expertise in food brand extension licensing. We've had some success on our own and feel they can take us to the next level," said Marc Buehler, V.P. Marketing, Romacorp, Inc.
About Tony Roma's
Romacorp, Inc. is the operator and franchisor of Tony Roma's restaurants, the world's largest casual dining concept specializing in ribs. Romacorp, Inc. currently operates 22 restaurants and through its subsidiary companies, franchises 206 restaurants in 25 states and 32 foreign countries and territories. The first Tony Roma's restaurant opened 34 years ago in North Miami, Florida, and today the concept includes restaurant operations that span 6 continents. www.tonyromas.com
About Nancy Bailey & Associates
Nancy Bailey & Associates, Inc. is a full-service licensing agency specializing in developing and managing corporate trademark licensing programs for America's top brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Nancy Bailey & Associates has been a leader in brand extension licensing for over two decades, cultivating long-term relationships with clients and creating innovative consumer products through high-quality partners. The company offers a comprehensive, turnkey licensing representation program as well as specialized consulting services customized to meet the clients' needs. For more information, please visit www.baileylicensing.com