Tom’s family is from Ponza Italy on his Father’s side and Abruzzo on his Mother’s side. Raised in Belmont, The Little Italy section of The Bronx, Tom’s love for Italian food and cooking began at an early age as his childhood home was filled with the aromas of Bail, Garlic and amazing Tomato Sauce and fresh baked bread.

Tom began his career in the restaurant industry at age 15 baking bread for Gruenbaum’s Bakery in The Bronx and later worked for his mentor, Sergio Cavalli, owner of The Venice Restaurant in The Bronx, NY. Tom then moved to Geppetto’s Ristorante, another iconic restaurant in The Bronx.  As Chef de Commis (Junior Chef) Tom prepared a variety of Italian cuisine and later moved into the Chef de Partie (Station Chef) position preparing salads and desserts.

Tom attended S.U.N.Y, State University of New York’s Culinary Arts Program in 1991.  As an Entrepreneur Tom has owned and operated two Franchise Restaurants and owned Patty Cakes Bakery in Fernandina Beach Florida before coming to Hendersonville, NC.

The Verri family owns and operates Brooks Tavern locations in Hendersonville and Tryon, North Carolina, creating some of the most loved burgers and pub style food in Western North Carolina.  They also own and operate Verri’s Italian Ristorante in Hendersonville.