The Puckett’s family is grinning from ear to ear about our newest member–we’re proud to announce the new general manager at Puckett’s Franklin is…. (drum roll please)…. Tom Zazzetti!!
Tom hails from Chicago–and similar to our Director of Operations Claire Marshall Crowell, he grew up in the business, helping his dad run their family-owned restaurant at a young age. Tom has more than three decades of managerial experience, and we know he’ll fit like a glove in our Historic Downtown Franklin community.
To help you get to know him better, we enlisted a short Q&A from him. Read on to learn his insider’s tips to the dining scene in the Windy City, and more!
Pssstt: if you’re wondering, longtime Franklin GM Max Stephenson is running our Puckett’s Chattanooga location. More on that here!
Q: Tom, where did you move to Williamson County from? What did you do there?
I moved from Chicago, Illinois! I was born and raised in Joliet, IL, and have been in the restaurant business all my life, working for family-owned businesses like Puckett’s.
Q: How long have you worked in the industry?
I’ve spent 31 years in management. I started helping my Dad when I was real young in his restaurant.
Q: What’s your favorite part about working in a restaurant?
Customer satisfaction is my number one with me; I love interacting with them too.
Q: What was your first impression of downtown Franklin and the community?
How friendly, outgoing and caring the people are.
Q: What do you like best about the Puckett’s family?
Everyone treats each other like family. There is a certain bond here.
Q: What’s your favorite dish at Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant?
I can’t choose just one! But if I had to narrow it down to two, I’d say the Redneck Burrito and Country Fried Steak.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to make in your own kitchen?
I enjoy spending time with my own father making my Grandma Nonis’ homemade Spaghetti sauce. I’d share the recipe, but it’s too long!
Q: Tell us your three favorite restaurants in Chicago:
- Gino’s East (Chicago Deep Dish Pizza)
- Merichka’s (in Crest Hill, Illinois’ home of the world-famous poorboy sandwich!)
- Gibsons (THE Steakhouse in Chicago)
Q: Franklin loves Chicago (and Chicago loves downtown Franklin)! Can you give us an insider’s tip?
There’s nothing more amazing than walking The Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago in the summer–or during the holidays with all the lights.
Q: What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I used to run a restaurant and sports bar in Joliet, IL, for former Chicago Bear players–and Superbowl Champions!–Tom Thayer and Mike Tomczak.
To learn more about Tom, read the Chattanoogan story here.
The Magnificent Mile in Chicago, IL
