on board in 2006. In 2003, Tony Roma died in Hemet, California, at the age of 78. As of 2006, there were 1,725 employees. On March 3, 2015, Tony Roma's launched TR Fire Grill in Orlando, Florida, with more locations planned for the following months. Menu and retail products When the first Tony Roma's opened in the 1970s, the restaurant was known for its burger and steaks until chef David Smith cooked up some baby back ribs and they became popular. Today the menu includes ribs, burgers, and steaks, as well as chicken and seafood dishes, appetizers, vegetarian dishes, desserts, and a cocktail list. Many international locations provide additional options that conform to local customs. Tony Roma's menu is routinely updated with specials, new chef-created dishes, and seasonal cuisines. In 2015, Roma Corp's introduced a new concept, TR Fire Grill & Lounge, in Orlando, Florida, featuring modern American cuisine and modern cocktails. A number of entrees from the Tony Roma's menu are available as prepackaged frozen meals, sold in supermarkets. The entrees are manufactured and distributed by Rupari Food Services. Tony Roma's original barbecue sauce is also available in supermarkets. Locations As of 2020, the franchise has over 100 locations on six continents. In 1976, Tony Roma's was one of the first US chain restaurants to expand into the international market, opening their first store in Japan. During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Tony Roma's expanded into Europe, South America, Australia and Asia. Tony Roma's has also expanded to the Middle East, including the UAE, where the prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, dines. As of 2015, Tony Roma's had around 120 international stores spread across five continents, with 20 restaurants in the United States. The franchise introduced a brand makeover in 2016 with a new store model. As of 2016, the only location near New York City was inside Newark Liberty International Airport, after the Commack branch closed as part of a downsizing. There also remained a location in Niagara Falls at the time. The closure left 20 locations in the United States, with most remaining restaurants international. In 2018, the company opened its first US franchise in six years, and also its first new US restaurant since 2014. As of 2020, there are two locations in Southern California. There is one near the SouthBay Pavilion in Carson, California, and another in Anaheim,