Tommy Smith, the co-founder of Tommy’s Hamburgers, died surrounded by family Sunday, the family said.
FORT WORTH, Texas — The co-founder of the popular Fort Worth burger chain Tommy’s Hamburgers died Sunday, his family announced.
Tommy Smith co-founded the burger joint in 1983 when he opened up shop in a Lake Worth convenience store, Kelly Smith, the current owner of Tommy’s and Smith’s daughter, wrote in a Facebook post. The store later moved to Camp Bowie Boulevard, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Kelly Smith expanded the business to three locations, the Star-Telegram reported.
“Our beloved co-founder, Tommy Smith passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and wrapped in love on Sunday afternoon,” a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page reads. “The legacy of great burgers in a friendly environment will continue and stay in the Smith family.”
Tommy Smith worked three jobs to put himself through Texas Wesleyan University while raising two children, a previous post from the restaurant celebrating its founding reads. He graduated from the school in 1973 and opened the restaurant ten years later.
“He gave me wonderful gifts,” Kelly Smith wrote in a Facebook post announcing his passing. “He taught me to always believe in myself, help others by giving back to our community, work hard and always treat others with kindness and respect.”
The original location of Tommy’s was temporarily closed in May due to a fire that damaged the Camp Bowie locations, WFAA previously reported. Two locations on Forest Park Boulevard and Mall Circle remain open.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Greenwood Funeral Home, the family said.
Great Job & the Team @ WFAA RSS Feed: news Source link for sharing this story.
