Founder's Story | Ep. 307: From Law Firm Founder to Global CEO: The Unlearning That Changed Everything

Guest: Mina Haque, CEO of Tony Roma's
Host: IBH Media
Date: February 12, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features Mina Haque, the transformational CEO of Tony Roma's, formerly a law firm founder and attorney. The conversation focuses on her unique transition from entrepreneurship and legal practice to leading a legacy global restaurant brand. Mina shares the process of renewal at Tony Roma's, her philosophy on resilience, adapting to change, fostering learning, and the unlearning necessary to lead in a new industry. The episode touches on legacy, franchising, adapting nostalgia for new generations, lessons from Davos, and incorporating neuroscience into leadership.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Transitioning From Entrepreneur & Attorney to CEO ([00:20]-[01:37])

• Mina values transferable skills from being an entrepreneur and applies them in the corporate world:
  • Quote:
    "Being an entrepreneur gave me the best training for now, coming into the corporate world, running Tony Roma’s and leading the transformation of this 54-year-old brand." (Mina Haque, 01:07)

2. Leading a Legacy Brand ([01:37]-[04:00])

• Coming from outside, Mina expresses deep gratitude and responsibility leading a well-established, 54-year-old brand.

• Explains the challenge and privilege of managing a brand with extensive history and global presence.

  • Quote:
    "Being part of a company that’s been around for so long, went through so many different economic climates and still being able to stand tall and strong... is an enormous privilege." (Mina Haque, 01:49)

• Her main task: building the bridge between Tony Roma’s legacy and its future, ensuring continuity and relevance.

3. Balancing Tradition and Modernization ([04:00]-[06:01])

• Two-pronged approach: Internal efficiency + external relevance.
• Brand nostalgia is powerful but needs to be modernized (smaller footprint, new revenue streams, delivery, etc.).
  • Quote:
    "Making sure that you modernize the brand, at the same time maintain your core identity..." (Mina Haque, 05:25)

4. Personal Legacy & Brand Resilience ([06:01]-[07:29])

• Mina aims to be remembered for transforming Tony Roma’s at a crucial juncture and positioning it for continued growth.
• Stresses the importance of resilience, not just short-term growth, as the core of lasting brands.
  • Quote:
    "Building a resilient brand is not easy... when it comes to my legacy and the brand’s legacy, I would like Tony Roma’s to be known as one of the most resilient brands." (Mina Haque, 06:01)

5. Marketing: Combining Nostalgia with Social Media for Next-Gen Appeal ([07:29]-[09:22])

• Sees opportunity in using technology, especially social media, to connect nostalgia with new audiences.
• Emphasizes appealing to Gen Z and Millennials by reviving classic brand elements through creative digital strategies.
  • Quote:
    "Social media allows you to connect with Gen Zs and millennials... I want Tony Roma’s to bring in Gen Zs and millennials to try our ribs, what we were famous for..." (Mina Haque, 08:22)

6. Franchising Philosophy & Empowering Entrepreneurs ([09:22]-[11:56])

• Advocates for flexibility: Franchising should not be one-size-fits-all.
• Focuses on cost savings and partnership, balancing brand consistency with adapting systems to diverse markets.
  • Quote:
    "Designing a system that actually sets franchisees for success—I think that’s extremely important... We need to pivot, we need to adapt. We need to make sure our franchise partners in this specific market... can be successful." (Mina Haque, 10:50)

7. Change, Neuroplasticity, and Organizational Growth (Davos Panel Recap) ([11:56]-[14:47])

• Mina discusses her Davos panel: "Change as a Catalyst for Growth."
• Introduces neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire and adapt—as central to leading change.
  • Explains that as leaders, fostering environments that enable learning and unlearning is crucial for adaptation.
  • Quote:
    "The brain has the ability to learn, to rewire information, and it’s called neuroplasticity. We need to remember this when it comes to organizational design." (Mina Haque, 13:54)

8. Unlearning: Transitioning to CEO ([14:47]-[16:12])

• Identifies unlearning legal rigidity and embracing the relational, human-centric restaurant/franchise world as key personal growth.
  • Quote:
    "Sometimes what has been my blessing, which is logical thinking, can also work against me in a restaurant industry... So... I had to unlearn those methodical ways of thinking and try to understand the human element, the human stories." (Mina Haque, 15:11)

9. Habits for Success: Lifelong Learning & Adaptability ([16:12]-[17:40])

• Mina’s adaptability stems from moving and changing environments as a child.
• She actively seeks to learn from everyone—colleagues, events like Davos, and even her children.
  • Quote:
    "Learning is a hobby. I always seek and learn from anyone... I also learn from my children every day. Sometimes they are your best teachers." (Mina Haque, 16:44)

10. Mentorship, Diversity of Perspective, and Continuous Growth ([17:40]-[18:36])

• The host and Mina reflect on the value of seeking mentors across age and experience for broader perspectives.

11. How to Connect with Mina Haque ([18:36]-[19:03])

• Instagram: @AttorneyNinaDC
• LinkedIn: Mina Haque
• Email: mina@turneymeena.com

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the privilege of leading a legacy brand:
  "Being part of a company that’s been around for so long... is an enormous privilege." (Mina Haque, 01:49)

• On resilient brands:
  "Building a resilient brand is not easy... when it comes to my legacy and the brand’s legacy, I would like Tony Roma’s to be known as one of the most resilient brands." (06:01)

• On change and neuroplasticity:
  "The brain has the ability to learn, to rewire information... We need to remember this when it comes to organizational design." (13:54)

• On unlearning and leadership:
  "I had to unlearn those methodical ways of thinking and try to understand the human element, the human stories." (15:11)

• On lifelong learning:
  "Learning is a hobby. I always seek and learn from anyone. I also learn from my children every day. Sometimes they are your best teachers." (16:44)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro to Mina Haque & Her Unique Background: 00:20 – 01:37
• Legacy Organization & Internal/External Strategy: 01:37 – 04:00
• Modernizing Tradition & Brand Evolution: 04:00 – 06:01
• Brand Resilience, Legacy, and Viral Trends: 06:01 – 09:22
• Philosophy on Franchising & Empowering Owners: 09:22 – 11:56
• Davos Recap—Change and Neuroplasticity: 11:56 – 14:47
• Transitioning and the Power of Unlearning: 14:47 – 16:44
• Success Habits and Lifelong Curiosity: 16:44 – 17:40
• Mentorship and Diversity of Perspective: 17:40 – 18:36
• Contacting Mina & Closing Thoughts: 18:36 – 19:39

Episode Tone

The conversation is warm, insightful, and practical—balancing thoughtful reflection on leadership and brand stewardship with down-to-earth honesty about learning, change, and the human side of business.