Tomas Bermejo, founder of Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant passes away

The Chronicle’s Inside Scoop column shared the news yesterday that the founder of the Richmond District’s Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant died suddenly earlier this week.

“Tommy” Bermejo started the family restaurant with his wife back in 1965, specializing in the cuisine of their native Yucatan.

Tomas and Elmy Bermejo first opened their location in 1965, where his family served dishes from their native Yucatan. Tomas had come north from the town of Oxkutzcab as part of a guest worker program, but after Tommy’s opened, his extended family headed north. According to a 2002 article, Bermejo’s wife and four children, plus a brother, six cousins, 20 nieces and nephews, and “countless numbers of acquaintances have followed him to San Francisco. Over the years, he has provided occasional jobs and an informal safety net for dozens of friends who have come to Northern California to start a new life.”

Today, Tommy’s Restaurant is known as much for their extensive tequila bar (over 350 brands to choose from!) as they are for their delicious food and friendly staff. Some would argue they make the best margaritas on earth.

Bermejo’s son, Julio, was recently featured in a CBS News video on the popularity of tequila and how it is made.

Julio Bermejo turned his parents’ longtime Richmond District restaurant into the Bay Area’s Tequila mecca, and his evangelism for Tequila ultimately earned Julio the role of the state of Jalisco’s sole U.S. Tequila ambassador. Agave lovers have been trekking to 23rd and Geary (5929 Geary Blvd.) for over a decade to school themselves amid several hundred bottles.

Sad news to hear of Tomas’ passing. He left us a delicious legacy that is an institution in the neighborhood, and will continue to be for many more years.

Thanks to RichmondSFBlog reader bayareamusician for sending in the news.

Sarah B.