Ron Dinella Acquires Go Roma Chain

Ron DiNella, former senior vice president and CFO of Morton's restaurants, is now the owner of the Go Roma chain of fast-Italian restaurants. Reached by phone, DiNella said he closed the deal a few days ago and feels he made a "good acquisition." DiNella will be the third owner of the chain, which began as a Lettuce Entertain You concept in 2004. There are currently six Go Roma locations, one in the Gold Coast and five in the suburbs.

DiNella has a few ideas in store for the chain. In the next three-to-six months he'll look at new menu items, refresh the dining room decor, and focus on catering. Then he'll scout for new sites, he projects opening between one and three new Go Romas a year. When asked if he will expand more in the city, DiNella said "they're more receptive in the suburbs but I'm not afraid of the city."

Since selling the Morton's group in February, DiNella says he's been "looking for a company to acquire and help grow." He thinks Go Roma is that company.

· Go Roma [Official Site]