"Americans have had an enduring love affair with Italian restaurants since they first began cropping up in small Italian-American neighborhoods in the early 1900s. It's not surprising that Italian chain restaurants rose in popularity in the decades that followed. Italian food is comfort food, and many chains still maintain the low-light, white-tablecloth ambience that signals a romantic evening out. Others offer a more whimsical, family-oriented experience that attracts diners looking for decent Italian fare at affordable prices."
"Romano's Macaroni Grill was founded in 1988 by Philip J. Romano. Franchising rights catapulted the chain's restaurant count to 219 by 2004. Macaroni Grill's success was rooted in its rustic Italian dishes, such as lasagna bolognese and pomodoro tortelacci, as well as the brick-oven pizzas served at certain locations. The restaurant's quality food options, casual, cozy atmosphere, and solid kids' menu made Romano's Macaroni Grill a hugely popular Italian eatery."
"The restaurant's quality food options, casual, cozy atmosphere, and solid kids' menu made Romano's Macaroni Grill a hugely popular Italian eatery. Yet, despite the chain's success and frequent comparisons to top Italian chains like Olive Garden, sales began to decline, and throughout the mid-to-late 2000s, the restaurant saw multiple changes in corporate ownership. Romano's Macaroni Grill ultimately filed for bankruptcy protection in 2017. All that said, it's not over until it's over."
Americans embraced Italian restaurants beginning in the early 1900s, prompting the rise of Italian chain restaurants. Many chains emphasize comfort food with either low-light, white-tablecloth ambience or family-oriented, affordable experiences. Romano's Macaroni Grill opened in 1988 and expanded through franchising to 219 locations by 2004. The chain became popular for rustic Italian dishes, brick-oven pizzas, a casual cozy atmosphere, and a strong kids' menu. Sales declined in the mid-to-late 2000s, corporate ownership changed multiple times, and the chain filed for bankruptcy protection in 2017, with recovery efforts ongoing.
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