How it all started... The Banana Factory was established in 1998 when Bobby Butera purchased the restaurant formerly known as Romano's. The building never closed as patrons came into the building, sat and watched the construction work as the new establishment evolved. There was no name for the establishment and was referred to as "the Whatsaname" until a naming contest was held. A patron came up with the name "Banana's" and another patron wanted to add "Factory," thus the Banana Factory was born