When Mohaimina Haque stepped into her role as CEO of Tony Roma’s in June 2023, she became the first woman to lead the iconic American restaurant brand in its 50-year history. Founded by Tony Roma in 1972 in North Miami, Florida, the restaurant built its reputation on its famous baby-back ribs and a warm, casual dining experience. Today, under Haque’s leadership, the brand is working through a new chapter, one shaped by discipline, renewal, and respect for its long-standing heritage.
From Law to Leadership
Haque’s path to the restaurant industry was anything but traditional. She began her career in the legal field, guided by a strong interest in public service and problem-solving. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from American University’s Washington College of Law and went on to work in several federal government roles. Her early experience included positions at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with time on Capitol Hill. These roles expanded her understanding of regulation, policy, and how government systems operate.
After her years in government, Haque moved into private practice and founded the Law Office of Mohaimina Haque, PLLC, in Washington, D.C. Her firm handles business law, franchise matters, immigration cases, and a range of corporate advisory services. Over time, she has earned recognition from professional groups for her contributions to the legal field.
The Road to Tony Roma’s
Haque first connected with Tony Roma’s through her work in law. She served as outside General Counsel to the company, advising on corporate governance and franchise-related matters during a period when the brand was navigating an internal transition. Her steady, detail-driven approach earned the trust of leadership and franchise partners, many of whom valued her ability to balance legal insight with practical business judgment.
In June 2023, Romacorp Inc., the parent company of Tony Roma’s, appointed her Interim CEO. In her first message to the company, she expressed a clear focus: strengthening the core of the brand while respecting what generations of customers have loved about Tony Roma’s. By 2024, her role as CEO was made permanent, marking a significant milestone for the company and its future direction.
Honoring a Classic Brand While Preparing for the Future
Tony Roma’s is a name that carries both history and global reach. What started as a neighborhood spot in Florida grew into a chain recognized internationally for ribs and American comfort food. Haque’s leadership revolves around honoring that legacy while preparing the company for a new era of dining expectations.
Although private restaurant groups rarely share internal data publicly, Haque has spoken consistently about the importance of operational stability, strong franchise relationships, and disciplined execution. Her approach centers on strengthening fundamentals, improving support for franchise operators, assessing market opportunities with care, and updating areas of the business where modernization adds real value.
A recurring theme in her leadership style is balanced change. Haque has noted that many guests associate Tony Roma’s with personal memories, making it important that innovation be thoughtful rather than abrupt. Updates to the menu, brand positioning, or guest experience are approached with a long-view perspective, ensuring the brand’s identity remains intact as it moves forward.
A Leader with Multiple Roles
Alongside her responsibilities as CEO, Haque remains active in the legal community. She continues to lead her law firm and teaches law practice management as an adjunct professor at American University Washington College of Law. This role allows her to share practical lessons with future lawyers, lessons drawn from both legal practice and real-world business leadership.
Haque also speaks openly about the challenges of balancing demanding roles. As a mother and a professional leading two career paths, she often acknowledges the support of her family, especially her husband, who plays a key part in helping her manage work and home responsibilities.
A Legacy Still in Motion
Mohaimina Haque’s rise from attorney to CEO of a globally recognized restaurant brand shows how varied experience can shape modern leadership. Her blend of legal understanding, public-service discipline, and strategic decision-making has positioned her to guide Tony Roma’s through a thoughtful period of renewal.
Her story resonates with many U.S. readers because it highlights perseverance and preparation rather than shortcuts. It reflects how cross-disciplinary expertise can influence the future of an established brand, how the precision of a lawyer, the commitment of a public servant, and the steady focus of a strategist can come together to support a legacy built over generations.
As Tony Roma’s continues its evolution, Haque’s leadership shows that honoring the past and embracing the future do not have to be opposing ideas. For her, the two are deeply connected, and together, they form the foundation of a resilient path forward.
