Ribs and Robots: How Tony Roma's Is Modernizing a 50-Year-Old Brand
In this episode of Commerce Beyond Borders, CEO Mina Haq (formerly a mergers‑and‑acquisitions attorney) discusses how she is modernizing the 50‑year‑old Tony Roma’s brand. She explains the shift from a one‑size‑fits‑all franchise model to a localized strategy that tailors pricing, supply chains and menu items to each market, while preserving core “hero” products like the ribs. Haq also details the pilot rollout of AI‑driven robotic runners in two U.S. locations, highlighting how the technology boosts efficiency without replacing human servers or tip revenue. The conversation underscores the importance of well‑capitalized, adaptable franchisees and the brand’s global expansion into 22 countries and 42 units.
The Strategy Trap: Why Great Plans Fail at Execution
In this episode of Commerce Beyond Borders, host Renee Hartman and co‑host Chris Baker sit down with retail veteran Kevin Artel, author of *The Strategy Trap: Why Companies Fail at Execution and How to Get It Right*. Artel explains his...