COLUMBUS, Ohio — Beloved restaurant owner and local legend Athanasios “Tommy” Pappas has passed away, his family announced Tuesday on the Facebook page of Tommy’s Diner.
Tommy’s Diner has been a staple in the Franklinton neighborhood for more than 30 years and was recently featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” with Guy Fieri.
Tommy and his wife Kathy invested their last penny into opening Tommy's Diner on West Broad Street in 1989. Their two sons Louie and Michael pitched in as well, and later, the business was passed on to them.
Walking into Tommy's Diner is like taking a walk back in time. Memorabilia from the 50s line the walls, as do photos of Tommy smiling with local celebrities, politicians, and long-time customers.
Many people say the Franklinton landmark is known to be a place where "business" gets done. But it's also a place where generations of families have passed through.
The Pappas family added many dishes from their Greek heritage to the menu, like gyros and baklava.
10TV’s Angela An was there when the restaurant celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2019.
Tommy told Angela at that time that he was grateful to customers who kept his diner open for 30 years. He also said hard work, loyalty and simply being himself may have been part of the secrets behind his success.
"I don't play no golf, I'm not fishing, this is what I do," Tommy said during an interview at the anniversary celebration. "This is where my friends are, these are the people I know. It's not just work... have a good time."
The Facebook post shared by Tommy's son read in part: “His larger than life personality will be severely missed and will leave a massive void in our lives. He was a legend with an incredible story. I’m honored to be his son and I look forward to continuing his legacy at the diner. I love you Dad, Heaven got a good one.”
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther also shared a statement on Tommy's passing, calling him a "community pillar."
“Tommy Pappas was, and will forever remain, a Columbus institution, a one-of-a-kind community pillar who quite simply never met a stranger. Always armed with a warm welcome and a friendly face, he demonstrated the power of kindness, friendship and partnership to build bridges and open doors," Ginther said. "There is so much about our city that won't be the same without his sincere and generous presence – from long chats over lunch at Tommy’s Diner to his trademark whirlwind tours through the Columbus Greek Festival – but his legacy will endure, and we will continue to find strength and hope and meaning in the life that he led. May his memory be eternal.”
Community members are also sharing their memories of eating at Tommy's Diner and interacting with Tommy and his family.
One person commenter shared: "This is a huge loss for the City of Columbus and the West Side in particular. The Pappas family have been pillars in the Franklinton community for decades. I am glad to see Tommy and Kathy's dream will continue."
Another said, "I'll always remember the soar of energy that he would bring to the restaurant whenever he was there. It just isn't going to be the same anymore."