Romano's Macaroni Grill to Open in Hawaii Through Five-Unit Franchise Agreement

By: Romano's Macaroni Grill | 0 Shares 261 Reads

DALLAS, May 6, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), has entered into a franchise development agreement with veteran restaurateur Randy Schoch that will bring five Romano's Macaroni Grill to Hawaii, beginning with a November 2005 opening at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu.

Schoch is principal of Phoenix-based Desert Island Restaurants, which owns Thaifoon - Taste of Asia, a four-unit Asian casual restaurant with locations in the Phoenix, Orange County and Salt Lake City markets. The group also is a franchisee of Ruth's Chris Steak House, with three locations in Hawaii.

Schoch has established Hawaiian Macaroni, LLC, to develop and operate the Romano's Macaroni Grill franchises in Hawaii.

"I'm looking forward to introducing Hawaiians to the culinary and service excellence that has made Macaroni Grill one of America's favorite casual dining destinations," said Schoch, a longtime Hawaii resident. "I have no doubt that guests on the islands will embrace the brand as enthusiastically as they have on the mainland over the past 17 years."

In signing the five-unit agreement, Schoch becomes the third domestic franchise partner for Macaroni Grill. Waterloo Restaurant Ventures, a Portland, Ore.-based franchisee, is developing Macaroni Grill in the Pacific Northwest, with three restaurants open in Portland and Seattle and another five planned. And in November 2004, HMSHost opened its first Macaroni Grill franchise at Orlando International Airport.

"Randy's extensive and successful track record operating high quality restaurants and his knowledge of the market make him precisely the right franchisee to bring our brand to Hawaii," said Jean Birch, President of Romano's Macaroni Grill. "We're delighted to have him as a partner in the continued growth of our brand."

Romano's Macaroni Grill is a leading casual Italian restaurant with more than 230 locations in 40 states and five countries. Macaroni Grill is part of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc., which owns, operates, franchises, or is involved in the ownership of more than 1,500 restaurants in 24 countries. Other Brinker brands include Chili's Grill & Bar, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, Maggiano's Little Italy, Corner Bakery Cafe and Rockfish Seafood Grill.

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