"We've never had a prototype for this type of service," said Steve Pratt, Tony Roma's Hawaii district manager. " So, I guess we're the guinea pig."

Since opening Feb. 1 in the Makai Market, Tony Roma's has served an average of 400 to 500 entrees per day.

"And they tell us this is the slow season," Pratt said. "It's kind of spooky to think about what the numbers will be when it does get busy."

Unlike its full-service, sit-down restaurants, this Ala Moana location is strictly counter service. But like all other Tony Roma's, the ribs here are just as finger-licking good.

"The food is exactly the same as what you would find at any of our sit-down restaurants," said manager Lori Hiraki, while getting customers' to-go ribs, chicken and pulled-pork sandwiches ready for pick-up . "The only difference is the portions are more lunch size."

So instead of a full or half rack of ribs, patrons will be served a five-rib portion ($9.99), accompanied by a choice of two sides.

"We've tailored the portions and the prices to appeal to the shopper," Pratt said. "And we've even added our popular starters — such as Tony Roma's signature onion loaf ($3.99) and buffalo wings ($4.99) — to the menu board."

Combination platters also are available, including ribs plated with chicken ($8.99), fried shrimp ($9.99) or wings ($8.99).

"We offer all the popular Tony Roma's dishes," said general manager Danny Sager. "It's the same quality and same taste."

As lines four- and five-deep long started to form in front of the counter, Hiraki rolled her eyes and said, "We're slamming."