Phil Romano


Philip J. "Phil" Romano is an American restaurateur, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is best known as the founder of the restaurant chains Fuddruckers and Romano's Macaroni Grill.

Early life

Romano grew up in Auburn, New York. He moved to Florida in his early 20s and then moved from West Palm Beach, Florida, to San Antonio, Texas, in 1976.

Career

Romano has founded multiple restaurant chains with a national or international reach. His biggest successes to date are Fuddruckers, Romano's Macaroni Grill, and EatZi's. Romano has founded more than twenty different restaurant concepts in his career.
Romano was also one of the earliest investors in the heart stent. His initial $250,000 investment returned millions of dollars in royalties.
Romano now runs a slew of restaurant incubators in the west Dallas area known as Trinity Groves. He also co-owns an art gallery on Dragon Street in Dallas, Texas, called , named in part after his son, Sam.

Philanthropy

Romano is the founder of Hunger Busters, a Dallas charity that feeds the homeless.

Personal life

Romano is married to Lillie Romano, with whom he has a son, Sam. Romano and his family live in Dallas, Texas. Romano is listed as an on the website for Samuel Lynne Galleries in Dallas, Texas.