A big change for Tom's Restaurant: A full liquor lic is being sought

whynot_31

In the Fall of 2014, the long time operator of Tom's Restaurant (Gus Vlahavas ) died.

The new operators of Tom's have just signaled that they are going to make a major change in how Tom's is operated: They have begun the process of applying for a license to serve beer, wine and liquor.

Tom's is about to attract a different crowd. Once the lic is in effect, I expect their menu to change as well.

More details will be available on Monday, Feb 2nd, when they disclose their business plan.

782 Washington
Prospect Heights
Crown Heights



photo: Google images

Vanderbilly

Very interesting!

I have to say, I've never been to Tom's!  At times I've witnessed the line out the door, on my way home from say, a fantastic brunch at Bar Corvo, and wondered if some of these hungry patrons realize that their neighborhood has become a LOT more brunch-tacular over the years. 

Perhaps whatever they have in store will finally lure me in

whynot_31

I expect this issue to get lots of press, and I believe that I am the first to announce it.

eastbloc

Tom's is just diner food. Never got the appeal. Many others clearly do, though.

I'm guessing the drinks will improve their margins.

Brooklyneya

The appeal to me was friendly service, a long menu, diverse crowd, and cheap prices. Their pancakes and homemade butters were good. Some dishes were a miss, but with so many options they can be avoided.

I hope they don't revamp it completely. Genuine old school diners like that are rare nowadays. I'd prefer just an improvement on the quality of some of their dishes and adding some brunch cocktails.

mr. met

I think the appeal of Tom's is that it's the BEST diner food most people have ever had. 

whynot_31

The food is good, but I think some people also go there to admire the excessive plastic decorations.

newguy88

As long as they don't change their menu. Oh for the love of god don't change the menu.

xlizellx

Their eggs florentine is something dreams are made of.

ridonkulous

I believe their Coney Island location already has a license (and somewhat similar food) so it may not change as much as you'd think. Maybe they just want to serve brunch drinks?

whynot_31

The plan so far is to add dinner (it presently only serves lunch) and utilize its backyard (it presently does not).

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150303/prospect-heights/booze-dinner-service-coming-toms-restaurant-prospect-heights

whynot_31

The permit was filed on 9/8/2015.    They might get it in place by New Years.

https://www.tran.sla.ny.gov/servlet/ApplicationServlet?pageName=com.ibm.nysla.data.publicquery.PublicQuerySuccessfulResultsPage&validated=true&serialNumber=1288767&licenseType=OP