Remembering Tom's Restaurant
If you attended school in Milton between 1956 and 1997, you may have felt a sense of loss when Tom's Restaurant closed thirteen years ago. That feeling was likely compounded this week by the news that Tom Thorp, the proprietor of Tom's, passed away at the age of 80.
For 41 years, generations of students attending three different schools (Milton Union High School, Milton Junior High and Milton Middle School) in two different buildings enjoyed going next door to Tom's for burgers, fries, soft serve ice cream, and delicious hand-mixed malts. So popular were Tom's malts that the weekly highlight of junior high basketball was “Shooting For Malts,” a free throw contest after Friday's practice that rewarded the winner with one of Tom's tasty delights.
The kids liked Tom, no small accomplishment when you're dealing with squirrelly junior high kids. He was like a friendly uncle to the students housed next door, but if you gave it to him, he could dish it right back.
Tom's wasn't huge, basically a diner with a lunch counter and a few booths. The food wasn't French cuisine and it certainly wasn't for dieters. Burgers and fries came in waxed paper, which actually placed visual emphasis on the oil and grease content of the food contained within. No one cared about that – we were there for the taste, not the presentation.
When I moved back to Milton in 1992, I made it a point to introduce my wife to Tom's. As a connoisseur of good malts, Tom's got her stamp of approval so we made sure that our evening walks with our then-small kids regularly included a stop at Tom's for ice cream.
It was a huge disappointment when Tom retired and closed the restaurant, but everyone knew it had to happen someday. Losing Tom's was like having a reliable old friend move away. I only ran into Tom once after that, working in the aisles at Menards. I was surprised to see him there, still working in his 70's. And it was really odd to see him doing something other than manning a lunch counter and wearing a cook's apron.
From all of us whose lives were made a little brighter by the memories forged in your restaurant, rest in peace, Tom. I hope the angels are behind the counter serving you.
Feb 9, 2010 at 8:31 a.m.
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Thanks for the story!
Feb 8, 2010 at 10:59 p.m.
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If Tom's was too full of people....we headed across the street to Stop & Go.
Tom's did have HOT hot apple pies that were good.
I never had to bride Mr Rotar with a shake, but had others in my class that did....
Rest in peace friend, you may be gone from this world but not forgotten.
Feb 8, 2010 at 3:48 p.m.
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I graduated in 1957. The thing I remember the most about Tom's is that we would go over on our lunch hour and play Euchre in the booths, and then have to run like heck to get back to school before the final bell rang.
Feb 8, 2010 at 12:09 a.m.
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Best 55 cent fries in town... Thanks Tom!! god bless
Feb 7, 2010 at 6:32 p.m.
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Pockets full of penny candy and I also remember opting for the choice of a "Tom's" chocolate shake, for Mr Rotar, instead of detention (for chewing gum in class).
Feb 7, 2010 at 4:57 p.m.
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Tom-me-Boy:Oh,what a wonderful man.Need anyone say more? We'll miss you Tom,and the table-side chats! Wishes and Prayers,Rodger & Carol Cone
Feb 7, 2010 at 12:37 p.m.
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I remember stopping at Tom's almost every night after school. French fries and candy. What fond memories! Sad to hear that Tom passed away. He truly was a great person.
Feb 7, 2010 at 9:51 a.m.
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Tom's was great -- best chicken sandwich I've ever had.
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I remember all of the kids used to stick their gum under the counter. I never did, but there were a few unfortunate times when I put my hand under the counter and came into contact with the sticky gum...
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Anyways, this is a sad story. I'm sorry to hear this.
Feb 7, 2010 at 8:01 a.m.
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Back when the school let kids eat at Toms we would run like crazy at lunch to get over there. Back then you could get a burger for 35 cents. And if you were lucky enough you and your friends could save enough for a pizza and you got a booth. Those memories of early childhood are something I will always recall. And Tom at the grill always smiling as he fed the army of kids all who he knew by name.
Feb 6, 2010 at 9:26 p.m.
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Tom's was where we all went for lunch while attending Jr. High School. I too remember seeing him in Menards, he always had a smile and asked if you needed help. A wonderful man. I would find myself looking for him whenever I went into the store, just to see his friendly smile!
Feb 6, 2010 at 8:28 p.m.
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My wife has fond memories of Tom's restaurant and after he retired he also drove school bus with me at Riteway Bus Co. for the Milton School district, so a whole new generation of children got to know him as the friendly face behind the wheel. He will be missed.
Feb 6, 2010 at 6:58 p.m.
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I remember a stop at Tom's Restaurant was a must for stocking up on penny candy before band practice. There was always someone who hadn't thought about tax being charged on the total so when they didn't have the extra two or three cents, he'd take back a piece or two of candy to even it out.
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