Thomas J. Oliveri, who opened Peppercorn’s and other local restaurants, dies after illness
Thomas J. Oliveri, a longtime Worcester restaurateur who established the original Elsa’s Bushel N Peck location in Tatnuck Square, Peppercorn’s on Park Avenue, Prezo’s in Milford and Oli’s in West Boylston passed on Jan. 28 after a brief illness and complications from leukemia.
Oliveri is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elsa, and sons Thomas M. Oliveri and Jon M. Oliveri, noted local restaurateurs. Thomas Oliveri cofound Wormtown Brewery and owns Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern. Oli’s Eatery is owned by Jon Oliveri, who also opened the former Oli’s Tomato Pie on Belmont Street, across from UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester as a spin-off restaurant to the West Boylston Oli’s. Tom also leaves a sister, eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
As retired food editor of the Telegram & Gazette, Table Hoppin columnist and restaurant reviewer, I have written about Oliveri family businesses many times in my career.
Obituary Thomas J. Oliveri
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Tom was the kind of guy who answered the tough questions during an interview and always picked up or returned a call. He also was an owner who treated his customers as friends. Socially, when seated next to Tom and Elsa at Peppercorn’s, customers and acquaintances always seemed to pop up to say hello to them. They always smiled and returned greetings, whether they knew the person or not.
Through the years, it wasn’t unusual for Tom to extend an invitation to drop by to meet a chef or try something new on the menu. Sometimes he would simply call to tell me about a brewery attached to Peppercorn’s.
When we did meet, Tom often had a legal pad in front of him, explaining that he had just come from a business meeting or might have to take a call. Nothing unusual. There was always good conversation about food, city and area restaurants. Rumors on the street? You bet.
Family was very important to Tom and he shared updates on the grandkids and winters he and Elsa spent at their Florida home. He was a proud parent and grandparent and in his obituary Tom was referred to as “the patriarch of his family.”
Running a restaurant is hard work and owners make a lot of tough decisions. Observe successful restaurants and you’ll find the owner’s personal involvement in the business. Tom was that owner. Despite challenges in the industry and having branded three Bushel N Pecks and full-service restaurants, he would sometimes remind me that there’s no business like the restaurant business. You address any situation, good or bad, he said.
When I was getting ready to “retire,” Tom encouraged me to look into online food writing. It would be a fun gig, he said. He even had a name for a column.
In my journey in food journalism, I consider myself fortunate to have crossed paths with Tom Oliveri. He will be missed.
Sincerest condolences go to the Oliveri family.
Make Valentine's Day reservations early!
Valentine’s Day is around the corner and local restaurants are gearing up. Reservations are essential for Feb. 14.
Check out restaurant posts about food and drink specials, hours and reservations. Some businesses have extended hours, while others offer full menus that are available for pickup and delivery.
Niche Hospitality Group has announced that all its locations, including Worcester Bocado Tapas Wine Bar, Mezcal Tequila Cantina and Fix Burger Bar will be closed Feb. 11 for “Employee Appreciation Day.”
For Valentine’s Day, Niche restaurants offer menus on their websites. Specials include drinks, desserts and entrees, such as Lobster Cavatappi and Steak & Shrimp at Bocado, 82 Winter St., Worcester; Shrimp & Chorizo Saute and Jericalla (Mexican Flan), Mezcal, 30 Major Taylor Blvd; Mini Baked Brie and Tuscan Chicken Sandwich, the Fix, 108 Grove St., Worcester.
There are many places in the city ready to help you celebrate Valentine’s Day 2024.
Enjoy restaurant dining and takeout deals.
Well-wishes to Piccolo’s owner
Sending best wishes to John Piccolo of Piccolo’s restaurant on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester, as he recovers from recent foot surgery.
Piccolo is president of the Shrewsbury Street Merchants Association and Piccolo’s will be among participating restaurants in the winter edition of Worcester Restaurant Week, scheduled for later this month into early March.
Stay tuned!
If you have a tidbit for the column, call (508) 868-5282. Send email to bhoulefood@gmail.com.
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This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Table Hoppin': Longtime Worcester restaurateur Thomas J. Oliveri dies
