Tony Roma's Sixth Outlet

Story & Photos: GOH EE KOON

Popular American casual dining chain Tony Roma's has chalked up another milestone in its expansion by launching its sixth outlet today, at 1 Mont' Kiara Mall, in an event that merged good food, some heartfelt entertainment and a gathering of old and new friends. This comes closely after opening their fifth outlet at Jalan Yap Kwan Seng about a month ago.

How about some entertainment?

While personalities like Amber Chia, Azura, Dennis Lau and Jojo Struys lent a little star power to the launch party, it was really the children from the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM) that stole the show with their singing, first with a solo act singing a very impressive version of Les Miserables' I Dreamed A Dream, and then ending with staples like Michael Jackson's Heal the World and We Are the World.

NASOM's presence was a reminder to all present to remember the less fortunate, and indeed, are currently part of the restaurant chain's corporate social responsibility initiative.

Good food, good company and terrific ambience at Tony Roma's.

Starting today until Feb 28, the outlets will be selling Tony Roma's vouchers, with part of the sales to be channelled towards NASOM in order to help fund the autistic children's choir team for their ongoing training and rehearsals. The rationale behind this is to give children hope to further pursue their dream.

The restaurant chain, which is famous for its barbecued ribs, has embarked on an ambitious expansion plan under its master franchisee in Malaysia, Revenue Valley Group, which has also been granted rights to develop restaurants in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and parts of China.

Big smiles from the bosses.

Group CEO of Revenue Valley George Ang told NewFlashMedia that by the end of this year, one more Tony Roma's restaurant will open, located within the greater Klang Valley. So far, there are no announced plans to shift the brand presence outside of the Klang Valley. The group, however, will be pushing the brand overseas.

"We've planned to open one outlet each in Pattaya, Bali and Shenzhen," Ang said, adding that Revenue Valley has obtained rights to represent the brand in Southern China. Over RM2.5 million has been allocated for each restaurant, which brings the total investment in new outlets topping RM10 million for this year.

Tony Roma's sixth outlet at 1 Mont' Kiara Mall during the opening.

Tony Roma's at 1 Mont' Kiara boasts over 6,000 sq ft of space, seating up to 250paxs at any one time. It also features a prominent bar - the Romarita bar.

TONY ROMA'S

1 Mont' Kiara

G-23A Ground Floor, Mont Kiara

Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +6 03 6203 0580
http://www.facebook.com/TRMALAYSIA