Romano’s Macaroni Grill has dwindled from a 200-store chain to nine locations as closures and declining revenues continued through 2024–25, reflecting a shakeout of weaker concepts. The Italian-American casual-dining chain, which filed for Chapter 11 in 2017, saw restaurant closures across Pennsylvania, Texas, Nevada, and California. Romano’s Macaroni Grill faced debt, rising labor and food costs, and weak unit economics. Launched in Texas in 1988, it expanded by competing with Olive Garden via tableside service and wood-fired ovens. Accelerating closures reduced consumer awareness and cut jobs, often without severance. Datassential reports 886 U.S. closures in April 2025, an 82% drop from 2018, as several major brands downsize.
