Columbus street named after beloved, recently-passed Columbus restaurateur 

“Tommy was and always will be a true Columbus legend,” said Mayor Ginther at a press conference.

Tommy Pappas, the founder and owner of Tommy’s Diner, died in December, but his legend now lives on — the City of Columbus has now renamed the intersection of W. Broad St. and Jones Ave., right where Tommy’s Diner is, “Tom Pappas Way.”

“His spirit and ability to bring people together exemplified how simple kindness and genuine friendship can open hearts and build community,” Ginther said. 

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Tommy grew up in a small village in Greece, teaching himself how to cook. At the age of 21, he was drafted into the Greek army. He met his wife Kathy while she was on a vacation in Greece, and she convinced him to come to Columbus. 

They opened Tommy’s Diner together on July 2, 1989, and the rest is history.

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