[BEST BRAND AWARDS]Tony Roma's gives the best pork ribs can give

Tony Roma`s has been famous for its ribs for the past 33 years. Originating in Miami in 1972, founder Tony Roma is considered the pioneer of Baby Back Ribs thanks to his delicious specialty. Today there are more than 300 Tony Roma`s restaurants in 29 countries worldwide.

It all started back in 1972, when Tony opened his first restaurant in North Miami. One weekend Tony threw some Baby Back Ribs on the grill and the rest is history. It didn`t take much time for the flagship restaurant to become one of the most popular restaurants in Miami.

Different from other family restaurants serving more than a hundred menu items, the "Best Ribs in America" award-winning Tony Roma`s has narrowed them down to 40 items, which turned out to be one of the key factors for the brand`s worldwide success.

Korea is no exception to the franchise`s success. Since the first Tony Roma`s restaurant opened in Apgujeong-dong, southern Seoul, 10 years ago, Tony Roma`s has been catering to the taste buds of Seoulites with its fabulous rib dishes.

Currently, seven Tony Roma`s restaurants are in operation in town, including those in Myeong-dong, Gwanghwamun and Yeoido. Here and anywhere, Tony Roma`s ribs are tender and juicy.

Tony Roma`s story does not end with ribs, however. Onion loaf, another very popular item, served with barbeque sauce, is pleasantly greasy yet crunchy at the same time. Its crispy fresh salads, mouth-watering char-grilled steaks, original BBQ chicken and delicious seafood make up a menu that is sure to please every guest.

Combination dishes are between 23,000 to 45,900 won, while various kinds of seafood, steak and chicken dishes are from 19,900 to 33,500 won. For all the lunch special menus, which are only 12,000 to 14,000 won, a cup of coffee or tea is served for free, along with warm bread.

Sun at Food, the local operator of the franchise that also runs Mad for Garlic and Pepper Lunch restaurants in Korea, is offering a special holiday deal for customers at every Tony Roma`s store through the year`s end.

During the promotion entitled "Winter Paradise` PIC, special Couple Combo - a combination of barbeque ribs, grilled chicken, corns, a steamed sweet potato and onion loaf - are served for 48,000 won, excluding taxes.

All the Tony Roma`s stores are open from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, go www.tonyromas.co.kr for Korean or www.tonyromas.com for English.

(danlee@heraldm.com)

By Lee Yong-sung