Tom Pappas, owner of long-standing Columbus diner, honored in U.S. Congress

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Tommy Pappas, the founder of a long-standing Columbus diner who died earlier this week, was honored in U.S. Congress on Friday.

Rep. Mike Carey of Ohio's 15th district honored Pappas and Tommy's Diner with a brief speech given on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on Friday. Carey said Pappas "made a simple meal really feel just like a celebration."

"Since 1989, his warm hospitality, larger than life presence made Tommy's Diner a neighborhood institution," said Carey. "Today, we honor Tommy's hard work and service to the city of Columbus and all of central Ohio. Our thoughts are with his wife Kathy, his sons Michael and Louis, and the entire Pappas family."

Pappas, who opened Tommy's at 914 W. Broad St. more than 30 years ago alongside Kathy, died peacefully on Monday with this family by his side. His son and current owner Michael said on social media his dad "was a legend with an incredible story," and his "larger than life personality will be severely missed and will leave a massive void in our lives."

The Franklinton eatery boasts a menu of traditional diner fare, including breakfast items like waffles, pancakes, French toast and eggs, lunch selections like sandwiches and burgers, and dinner offerings like meatloaf, roast beef and chicken. Tommy's was featured earlier this year on Guy Fieri’s Food Network show "Diners, Dive-ins and Dives."

Tommy's is open 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.