The 1970s BBQ Chain That's Also A Steakhouse (Yes, It Still Exists)

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The 1970s BBQ Chain That's Also A Steakhouse (Yes, It Still Exists) By Alexa Valme Oct. 12, 2025 7:39 pm EST

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In the early 1970s, a small North Miami joint decided to take ribs a little more seriously than anyone expected. When Tony Roma's first opened, it served the usual mix of steaks and cocktails — but the baby back ribs quickly became the star attraction. Word spread fast that this wasn't your average bar-and-grill special. People started driving across the state just to get their hands messy with what became the restaurant's signature dish.

That buzz soon caught the attention of Clint Murchison Jr., the Dallas Cowboys owner, who saw enough promise (and sauce) to buy most of the U.S. franchise rights by 1976. Under his watch, Tony