There is bad news for fans of Italian food in the U.S. because a big name in the business is struggling.
That name? Romanos Macaroni Grill.
The chain that offers both a set menu and a make-your-own-pasta bowl for an affordable price has been on a steady decline.
The restaurant chain is down to just nine locations across the country.
That’s a huge fall from grace for an Italian chain that was once dubbed the “next generation Olive Garden,” with more than 200 locations more than 20 years ago.
Recently, another closure eliminated the chain’s presence in the entire state of Pa, per TheStreet.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill, located at 2531 Brindle Drive in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has permanently shuttered its doors after 20 years in business.
PennLive recently reported that closure and you can read more about it here.
The chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with the District Court of Delaware in October 2017. At the time of the filing, 93 restaurants were in operation across 25 states.
The reasoning behind the filing was due to declining sales, rising operational costs, and an overall downturn in the casual dining sector amid consumers’ preference shift for “cheaper, faster alternatives.”
The goal for restructuring was to reduce “legacy liabilities and obligations, as a result of decisions by past ownership,” per a company statement.
When the brand was sold in 2015, Ignite Restaurant Group CEO Ray Balanchette shared why the decision was made.
“We continue to believe in the underlying strengths of the Macaroni Grill business. Unfortunately, the brand was unable to deliver, in a timely manner, on the milestones we established,” he shared with Restaurant Business.
“As a result, we decided that it was in the best interest of Ignite and our shareholders to sell the brand. The divestiture of Mac Grill will enable us to focus our resources on building momentum at Joe’s Crab Shack, while growing Brick House Tavern & Tap.”
Read the original article on pennlive.com.
Dining and Cooking