The largest Tony Roma’s restaurant in the world opened on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge on Monday, March 24. Considered the pioneer of baby back ribs, Tony Roma’s has a global presence with more than 250 restaurants in 35 countries including the U.S., and average in size around 5,600 square feet. The Pigeon Forge location is nearly twice as large at almost 12,000 square feet – a statistic that will help meet the dining demands of a tourist destination with around 13 million visitors a year. It is also the largest restaurant in Pigeon Forge with 346 seats and will employee 160 employees.
The new franchise location is co-owned by David Fee, president, and Jim Hedrick, vice president, of the Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group. Both agree that size is not their ultimate objective, rather a quality family dining experience. Fee says, “The decision to open this particular franchise was based more on location and timing, in addition to the world-class reputation of Tony Roma’s first-rate food. Tony Roma’s has a beautiful upper-class appeal without the upper-class prices that make it affordable family-friendly prices.
“I ultimately chose to open a Tony Roma’s after seeing how it anchors large-scale developments in other tourist areas like Nashville and Myrtle Beach.” Fee says. With its location in walking distance to the nearby Black Bear Jamboree Theater and The Miracle Theater, Tony Roma’s is the perfect place to stop, dine and enjoy a wonderful meal between two attractions, both owned by the Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group. This restaurant has more to offer than its sizable capacity or world renowned ribs; it has unique flare to be enjoyable to both tourists and local residents of the area that will make return again and again.
Tony Roma’s has lots to offer beyond food including a private meeting/party room, a carry-out Ribs To Go service, gift cards, and Tony Roma’s online Roma Rib Expert Club, where you can get all the latest scoop on promotions, news, and special offers from the restaurant chain at www.tonyromas.com
It’s located at 2050 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. The new restaurant is at the same location as the former Country Legends Grill and Alabama Grill and can be contacted at (865) 908-8777.