Tag Archives: Tommy’s Original Margarita

Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant Celebrating 50 Years

Written by Allison Levine on
Lifestyle Cocktails

This story originally appeared in Beverage Industry News November 2015

Bermejo Family

Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant has been a San Francisco staple since opening its doors 50 years ago. This is an impressive feat! With rents multiplying and economies shifting, it is a challenge to be in the restaurant business, especially in San Francisco. But, Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant has made it and is celebrating their 50th Anniversary.

Tomas “Tommy” Bermejo came to the US from the Yucatan as a guest worker through the United States and Mexico’s Bracero Program, which ran between 1942 and 1964. Tommy’s first business was a small café on MacAllister Street called Elmy’s Café, named after his wife. When Tomas decided to start a restaurant in 1965, he found the space on Geary Street and bought the building. It was very fortuitous that Tomas and Elmy purchased the building. “I am lucky that my parents bought the building,” explained Julio Bermejo, son of Tomas and Elmy. “We were able to ride out any early struggles and never had the threat of our rent being tripled in price.” Read More +

The Margarita Perfected- Just Add Tequila Suerte

Written by Allison Levine on
Cocktails

It’s Cinco de Mayo and therefore it’s Tequila time!. After all, here in the US, we always love a reason to go out and celebrate. But if you want to avoid the crowds and excessive revelry, it’s just as easy to stay home and celebrate with friends. That’s we what prefer. And what better way to enjoy tequila, other than neat, but in a Margarita.

Now, when it comes to making your Margaritas at home, we are not suggesting that you run out and buy overly sweet mixers made with unnatural ingredients. All you need is three ingredients the famous Tommy’s Original Margarita, which originates from Tommy’s in San Francisco. The result will be a simple and refreshing drink to enjoy this Cinco de Mayo, or anytime!

Read More +

The Heart of Tequila: Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant

Written by Allison Levine on
Lifestyle Cocktails

When one talks about Tequila, it is not uncommon for Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, and the Tommy’s Original Margarita, to be a part of the conversation. While still a family-owned business that opened its doors in 1965, Tommy’s is recognized as the epicenter of tequila on a global level. Since the beginning, Tommy’s has been ahead of the curve with regards to Tequila. Today they are known for their extensive tequila bar with more than 350 brands to choose from, all 100% agave tequilas and arguably, they make the best margaritas on earth.

Taking the lead is Julio Bermejo who turned his family’s restaurant into the Bay Area’s Tequila mecca. Julio’s passion and enthusiasm for Tequila is at the heart of Tommy’s success and why today Julio holds the sole title of U.S. Tequila ambassador.

HISTORY: Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant has been a San Francisco staple since opening its doors 47 years ago. Tomas “Tommy” Bermejo came to the US from the Yucatan as a guest worker through the United States and Mexico’s Bracero Program, which ran  between 1942 and 1964. In 1965, Tommy and his wife Elmy bought the building where Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant is located. At first, the menu featured non-traditional Mexican dishes like carved meats. But, Tommy began integrating traditional Yucatan dishes such as Poc, Chuc and Pollo Pibil into the menu, eventually removing all non-traditional dishes.

Read the full story from BIN Magazine August 2012

 

About Please the Palate

Please the Palate is a boutique firm specializing in marketing, event planning and writing for the wine and spirits industry.