Mina Haque is revolutionizing Tony Roma’s F&B franchise with a focus on growth, franchise expansion, and innovation
Mina Haque’s journey to becoming the CEO of Tony Roma’s is a story of strategic vision, legal expertise, and leadership. With a strong background in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), Haque has been instrumental in shaping the future of this iconic restaurant brand. After leading the successful merger of Tony Roma’s, she was appointed CEO, making history as the first female to hold this position.
Haque’s experience in both transactional and litigation law has played a key role in her rise to CEO. As the founder of Mohaimina Haque PLLC, she worked with a range of clients, from major corporations to government bodies. Her expertise in M&A, especially in corporate governance, operational assessments, and financial reviews, set her apart.
When Tony Roma’s considered a merger, Haque’s legal skills were vital in the due diligence process. She conducted a thorough review of the company’s operations, risks, and opportunities. Her strategic approach ensured the merger met legal standards while aligning with business goals. This made her the clear choice for interim CEO.
Mina Haque’s journey from a trusted legal advisor to CEO was a natural progression. Her thorough legal work on the Tony Roma’s acquisition built the trust of the company’s board and the acquiring party. She was appointed as outside general counsel, where she not only provided legal advice but also demonstrated her sharp business acumen and strategic insight. This trust ultimately led to her being named the CEO of Tony Roma’s, making her the first female leader in the brand’s history.
“Transactions are not just about legal due diligence,” Haque explains. “They require a deep understanding of the business and its long-term goals. By collaborating with financial experts and understanding the business rationale, we can uncover strategic opportunities that go beyond just legal compliance.”
As CEO, Haque has set a clear strategy for the future of Tony Roma’s. Her plan revolves around four key pillars: franchise expansion, menu innovation, cost optimization, and brand revitalization.
“Franchise expansion is key to growing the brand,” she said. “We want to make ownership accessible to qualified operators and continue to grow Tony Roma’s footprint worldwide, while staying true to the values that have made the brand so beloved.”
Her leadership has focused on streamlining the menu, keeping iconic dishes while introducing new, innovative options. In addition, Haque has emphasized modernizing the brand’s marketing approach to attract new customers and ensure continued relevance in an evolving market.
One of the factors that distinguishes Haque from other leaders in the M&A space is her experience with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Prior to founding her law firm, Haque worked at the DOJ’s Antitrust Division, where she was involved in high-profile cases like the American Airlines-US Airways merger and Apple Inc. antitrust investigations.
“This experience has given me invaluable insights into market dynamics and competition,” Haque shared. “I bring the same level of scrutiny to middle-market transactions that I applied to mega-mergers at the DOJ. Understanding both regulatory frameworks and practical business realities is crucial in today’s M&A landscape.”
Her time at the DOJ was not only pivotal in shaping her legal skills but also in understanding the broader impact of mergers on market competition and consumer choice.
Despite her demanding roles as CEO and a law firm founder, Haque prioritizes family life. She credits modern technology and remote work for allowing her to balance both her professional responsibilities and personal life.
“Technology has transformed the way we work,” Haque said. “I can manage emails and virtual meetings from anywhere, even in between school drop-offs. It’s important for me to be present in my children’s lives while still fulfilling my professional responsibilities.”
Haque’s husband, Ehteshamul Haque, a technology transaction attorney, also plays an active role in their family life, allowing Mina to focus on her career. “Having a supportive partner is essential to achieving success,” she said. “Together, we’ve built a system that allows us to balance both work and family life.”
In addition to her leadership role at Tony Roma’s, Haque is passionate about helping other lawyers balance career and family life. Along with her husband, she created a virtual training program for attorneys looking to break free from traditional career paths and build their own successful law practices.
“We’ve developed a course for lawyers who want to create their own firms while maintaining work-life harmony,” Haque explained. “It’s based on our own experiences, and it’s designed to provide actionable strategies for success.”
The program offers a unique perspective on law firm management, combining both Mina’s M&A expertise and her husband’s experience in technology law. This initiative empowers other attorneys to take control of their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Mina Haque’s path to becoming the CEO of Tony Roma’s is a powerful example of how legal expertise and business strategy can intersect to create lasting success. Under her leadership, Tony Roma’s is poised for growth, driven by a clear strategic vision that combines innovation with tradition. Haque’s story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and professionals looking to make an impact in their industries while maintaining a balanced and fulfilling personal life.
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