Mina Haque, CEO of Tony Roma’s, shares a have a look at her profession, her achievements and business traits forward of her look at Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit 2025.
Right now we’re shining a highlight on Mohaimina (Mina) Haque, CEO of Tony Roma’s. Haque will probably be a speaker on the upcoming Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit, which takes place March 11-13, 2025, in Myrtle Seashore, South Carolina. She will probably be a panelist on a basic session titled “Govt Views: Inspiration for Right now’s Restaurant Leaders.”
We thought it will be enjoyable to get to know Haque a bit higher forward of her look at RFIS.
Describe your present function.
Because the CEO of Tony Roma’s, a worldwide restaurant chain with operations throughout 5 continents, I lead the model’s strategic imaginative and prescient and development. My day-to-day entails collaborating with management to optimize restaurant efficiency, supporting franchisees and exploring new partnerships to develop our footprint. I additionally oversee advertising campaigns, monetary planning, and operational methods, guaranteeing the model continues to ship distinctive eating experiences.
Along with main Tony Roma’s, I am the Founding father of the Regulation Workplace of Mohaimina Haque PLLC. I coordinate with my authorized group, evaluate instances and supply steering to purchasers. Balancing each roles requires me to stay adaptable and out there 24/7, able to troubleshoot challenges, talk with international groups, and sort out new alternatives head-on.
What was your first-ever profession function and what’s one vital lesson you discovered from it?
My first profession function was as a Capitol Hill intern. This expertise was actually eye-opening, instructing me essential classes about serving various pursuits and discovering consensus amongst competing priorities. Working in a political workplace confirmed me firsthand how you can successfully bridge variations and talk with varied stakeholders. The artwork of messaging and strategic communication I discovered there has confirmed invaluable all through my profession.
What’s a typical false impression individuals have about what you do?
A standard false impression individuals have after they be taught I’m the CEO of Tony Roma’s is that I’ve stopped training legislation. I run each Tony Roma’s and my very own legislation agency in Washington D.C. as a result of I am enthusiastic about each. Regulation is not only a career for me — it is my calling. I might by no means hand over training legislation, not even for a second, as a result of serving to individuals clear up their authorized challenges brings me deep achievement. Each roles let me serve others in significant methods
What business traits do you assume do not get sufficient consideration and why?
A vital but underappreciated pattern within the meals and beverage business is the rising influence of predictive know-how on kitchen operations. Whereas most individuals give attention to consumer-facing tech like supply apps, we’re not discussing sufficient how AI and good programs are revolutionizing back-of-house effectivity. Automated stock administration that adapts to climate patterns and native occasions is quietly reworking how kitchens function. One other neglected pattern is the evolution of ghost kitchen fashions, the place conventional eating places are maximizing kitchen capability by operating a number of digital manufacturers. The rise of hyper-personalized eating experiences pushed by knowledge analytics can be reshaping customer support. We also needs to pay extra consideration to how local weather change is affecting provide chain stability and menu planning, forcing eating places to undertake extra versatile sourcing methods.
What recommendation would you give to somebody simply beginning out in your business?
My recommendation to anybody beginning within the F&B business is to attempt for experience whereas sustaining flexibility in your strategy. Being an professional in your area is essential, however do not get locked into inflexible, conventional strategies. The F&B panorama is evolving quickly, and the previous ‘rinse and repeat’ strategy now not cuts it. Right now’s profitable F&B professionals should be agile thinkers who can adapt to altering client preferences, rising applied sciences, and new operational fashions. Keep curious and decide to steady studying — whether or not it is about sustainable practices, digital improvements, or evolving meals traits. Essentially the most profitable individuals in our business are those that steadiness deep information with an open mindset and willingness to embrace change.
What do you do to have enjoyable exterior of labor?
Outdoors of labor, my biggest pleasure comes from spending high quality time with my husband and youngsters, significantly by way of journey. Whereas our demanding careers imply we will not take prolonged holidays, we have mastered the artwork of maximizing even brief two- to four-day getaways. We make each second depend by exploring new locations, sampling native cuisines, and immersing ourselves within the historical past of every place we go to. These transient however wealthy adventures permit us to create significant household reminiscences whereas satisfying our shared curiosity about completely different cultures and locations. We have discovered that even a protracted weekend can supply profound experiences whenever you strategy it with enthusiasm and an eagerness to be taught.
The place did you develop up and the way did your upbringing influence the individual you’re right now?
I grew up throughout 5 completely different states alongside the East Coast and hung out in Bangladesh, although I think about Leesburg, Virginia, my hometown — it is the place I attended highschool and the place my dad and mom nonetheless reside. Transferring between completely different states and college programs taught me resilience from an early age. Whereas many concern change, my experiences made me embrace it. By way of fixed transitions, I developed a scientific strategy to reaching targets no matter altering circumstances. This adaptability has turn out to be one in every of my biggest strengths. Past resilience, residing in varied locations and touring internationally gave me a deep appreciation for various individuals, cultures, and views. These early experiences formed my potential to attach with individuals from all walks of life and perceive completely different viewpoints — expertise that serve me properly in each enterprise and legislation right now.
Is there the rest you want to inform individuals about your self or your organization/group?
There is a piece of Tony Roma’s legacy that completely captures what our model represents. In 1984, our restaurant grew to become a part of sports activities advertising historical past when Nike executives selected Tony Roma’s because the setting to debate what would turn out to be the revolutionary Air Jordan cope with Michael Jordan. This second, even portrayed within the latest movie ‘Air,’ wasn’t nearly enterprise — it was about bringing individuals collectively over nice meals. Give it some thought: one of the crucial transformative offers in sports activities historical past was mentioned over our signature ribs. Since 1972, we have been greater than a restaurant; we’re the place reminiscences are made and historical past occurs. From our first Miami location to our international presence right now, we have maintained that very same heat and high quality that introduced Nike and Jordan to our tables.
Our ribs might have made us well-known, however it’s moments like these that inform our true story. We’re not simply serving meals; we’re creating settings the place nice issues occur.
