Company: Tony Roma's, Tampa, FL
Nomination Submitted by: A-Game PR
Company Description: Tony Roma’s is a globally recognized restaurant brand, renowned for its legendary ribs, bold flavors, and exceptional hospitality. Founded in 1972, it has grown to over 20 countries, pioneering American casual dining with high-quality grilled meats, seafood, and signature cocktails. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, Tony Roma’s continues to set the standard in the restaurant industry
Nomination Category: Achievement Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Achievement in Organization Recovery
 Nomination Title: Mina Haque: Transforming Tony Roma’s – From Legal Counsel to Visionary CEO, Leading a Resilient Brand Revival
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the nominated organization's organizational recovery achievements since the beginning of 2023, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization's history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 173 words used.
Founded in 1972, Tony Roma’s is a globally recognized restaurant chain known for pioneering baby back ribs and setting the standard for casual dining. Over its 50+ year history, Tony Roma’s expanded to become an international brand with locations across five continents. While the restaurant industry has seen evolving consumer demands and shifting economic landscapes, Tony Roma’s has maintained a reputation for quality, innovation, and exceptional hospitality.
However, like many legacy brands, Tony Roma’s faced significant challenges in recent years, including pandemic-driven industry disruptions and changing dining preferences. Enter Mina Haque, a strategic legal and business mind who initially advised on the company’s acquisition and went on to redefine its trajectory. Mina’s leadership transformed Tony Roma’s from a brand-facing stagnation into a forward-thinking, resilient enterprise. She spearheaded financial recoveries, developed innovative partnerships, and restored the brand’s industry relevance. Her transition from legal counsel to CEO in 2023 marked a pivotal moment, showcasing her ability to bridge legal expertise with business innovation, ultimately leading Tony Roma’s into a new era of growth and recognition.
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video:
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 191 words used.
Under Mina Haque’s leadership, Tony Roma’s has seen significant operational revitalization, strategic growth, and increased brand recognition:
- Prestigious Industry Recognition: Tony Roma’s was ranked #2 in the Newsweek Excellence Index 2025 in the Restaurant & Café category—outranking competitors like Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s, and coming in just behind Starbucks.
- Financial & Franchise Optimization: Mina successfully recovered millions in unpaid franchise royalties while simultaneously optimizing operational costs, leading to greater financial stability.
- Innovation in Brand Partnerships: She introduced strategic collaborations like the Magnolia Bakery partnership, featuring their signature banana pudding at Tony Roma’s Bones & Burgers location, demonstrating her ability to bring unexpected, yet highly appealing, consumer offerings to the brand.
- Global Thought Leadership: Mina took the Tony Roma’s brand to the World Economic Forum in Davos, speaking on ambition, ownership, and equity at The Female Quotient’s Equality Lounge, reinforcing the company’s commitment to inclusivity in business.
- Workforce & Leadership Evolution: She championed an ownership-driven mindset among employees, implementing initiatives that empowered staff and increased operational efficiency.
Through these bold initiatives, Mina has modernized a legacy brand, demonstrating not just exceptional business acumen but also a profound understanding of the evolving consumer landscape.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 189 words used.
Mina Haque’s achievements stand out because they represent an unprecedented fusion of legal acumen and executive leadership. Few restaurant industry CEOs have transitioned directly from legal counsel to the C-suite, successfully navigating both legal complexities and operational challenges. Her background allowed her to approach financial recovery with a unique strategic lens, turning legal challenges into business wins.
Her success is particularly striking in comparison to other legacy restaurant brands, many of which have struggled with declining relevance in an industry shifting toward fast-casual and experiential dining. Rather than relying on traditional methods, Mina redefined Tony Roma’s strategic vision, focusing on modernization, brand partnerships, and customer engagement. While similar brands faced closures or stagnation, Tony Roma’s not only stabilized but climbed to a #2 industry ranking under her leadership.
Moreover, her commitment to leadership extends beyond the restaurant industry. By speaking at Davos and other global business forums, she positioned Tony Roma’s as more than just a restaurant chain—it’s now part of a larger conversation on leadership, innovation, and inclusion in business.
Mina’s visionary leadership and ability to drive transformative change make her a standout for Achievement in Organizational Recovery.
- Optional: Reference here any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and explain how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 4 words used.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/yolarobert1/2024/11/15/attorney-mina-haque-shares-her-successful-ma-strategy-that-made-her-ceo-of-tony-romas/
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