Romano's Macoroni Grill (Madison, Excel: restaurant, prices, garden)

[cooldiver]

Originally Posted by Que Pasa

Coming soon to the vacant building Macaroni Grill once occupied. Another top notch Mexican restaurant.

Well, that building was originally built as Chi-Chi's. I was very surprised when it closed and became Romano's. Which of course rumors have been abundant for years that RMG would close, and I guess if you wait long enough rumor becomes fact.

I am wondering if the owners of Mid City paid to have the lease terminated, and will acquire that property.

This only leaves the bank, the theatre, the Holiday Inn, and the Steak N Shake as peripheral businesses.

The theatre is staying, but I would not be shocked to see the others go. The Holiday Inn is outdated and I expect not doing well with all of the newer hotels close by. Being next to a big construction zone will not help its occupancy rates.

The bank can likely buy one of the two Regions branches in the area since Regions is looking to close branches. That just leaves the Steak N Shake which does very well at lunch, but I am not so sure about other times of day.

I expect the developers would like to get their hands on all of the University Drive frontage, and maybe they will.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by MrBobo

...They were also serving their entrees on these oversized square plates as if it was some sort of fine cuisine or something...

So???? Man, what some people will complain about.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by cooldiver

...That just leaves the Steak N Shake which does very well at lunch, but I am not so sure about other times of day...

It does well in the evening too.

[bmrisko]

The last time we ate there, they were out of all forms of bread...no free bread, no bruschetta, no pizza, etc. The manager was indifferent and we never went back. I typically avoid bread during the week, so when we went out one weekend expecting to be able to gorge ourselves on some decent bread and oil, we were pretty disappointed to find they were out of it all. I did make sure to fill my single glass of wine to the rim to make it somewhat worthwhile.

[TurkeyRuben]

Originally Posted by cooldiver

Well, that building was originally built as Chi-Chi's.

The original Chi-Chi's building is what was remodeled as Golden Corral. It was torn down after that and rebuilt as Macaroni Grille I believe. It further sticks in my head that Chi-Chi's and Golden Corral (same building) faced University on the diagonal, whereas Macaroni Grilled was parallel.

No matter - Macaroni Grille had taken a bad slide downhill.

This town is under-represented for good Italian cuisine, IMESHO.

[Big Grumpy]

TR - I believe you are correct on the building configurations. The Chi-Chi's Mexican restaurant was there when I moved here in the early 90's. Can't remember exactly when they closed but seems like the building was vacant for a decent spell once they left. Golden Corral may have been the next tenant but I was thinking there was some other short-lived restaurant incarnation in between Chi-Chi's and Golden Corral. Romano's MG bought the property after Golden Corral closed and razed the whole structure and built it back from scratch.

I hadn't been to MG in years but had certainly noticed the prolonged downturn in their business. Several years ago you would see a waiting crowd out in front of the restaurant and a full parking lot on weekends, but that hadn't been the case in recent years. The downward fortunes of the mall probably had something to do with the decreased traffic but probably wasn't the only reason for their closure.

[aslowdodge]

MG used to be one of my favorites back in Ca. Wed night you would still have an hour wait. They had a great thing going. Then the portions got smaller, then smaller again, then a price increase.
It seemed like their attitude was "you need us more than we need you". Eventually they closed down. I don't understand how you can screw up such a successful business.
Last year I went to one here in Atlanta and it was pricey and mediocre. I'll never go there again.

[writerwife]

Originally Posted by Que Pasa

I am not really a fan of Italian restaurants. Many dont seem to be any better quality than Chef Boyardee but priced way too high. I do only enjoy Olive Garden for their soup, salad, and bread sticks lunch. But man, the one here in Huntsville smells like baby vomit.

I'm the same way. At least, since I've lived here. If I want decent Italian, I'm eating at home. Although I do enjoy a dish or 2 at Carraba's.

[LCTMadison]

Originally Posted by writerwife

I'm the same way. At least, since I've lived here. If I want decent Italian, I'm eating at home. Although I do enjoy a dish or 2 at Carraba's.

Their food is ok, definitely better than Olive Garden (ick)....their blackberry sangria keeps me coming back.

[Dirt Grinder]

Originally Posted by TurkeyRuben

...This town is under-represented for good Italian cuisine, IMESHO.

The absolute best Italian I've ever eaten was at a small Italian restaurant on Bailey Cove years ago. The chef was very friendly and had the place packed every night. One night my wife and I went, and the chef sat us at a small table in the kitchen. I'm not sure why it finally closed, it wasn't for lack of customers.