A Conversation with Tom Verri of Brooks Tavern and Verri’s Italian Restaurant
Restaurants are some of the most loved places in a community.
They’re where birthdays are celebrated, friendships grow, deals are made, and memories are created over great food and conversation.
But behind the warm lighting, busy dining rooms, and plates of incredible food is a reality that many people never see.
Owning a restaurant is one of the most demanding businesses in the world.
Recently, I sat down with Tom Verri, the owner of Brooks Tavern in Hendersonville, Brooks Tavern in Tryon, and Verri’s Italian Restaurant, to talk about what it really takes to run a successful restaurant in Western North Carolina.
In our conversation, Tom shared honest insights about the challenges restaurant owners face every day — and the passion that keeps them going.
From the Dining Room to the Real Work Behind the Scenes
For many customers, a restaurant visit lasts an hour or two.
For restaurant owners, the work never really stops.
From managing staff and controlling food costs to maintaining quality and creating a great experience for guests, the responsibilities are constant.
Tom explained that running a restaurant is not just about cooking great food.
It’s about leadership, logistics, customer relationships, and adapting to an industry that is constantly changing.
Restaurant owners often start their day long before customers arrive and finish long after the last table leaves.
And even then, the work continues with planning, ordering, scheduling, and problem solving.
Rising Costs and Staffing Challenges
One of the biggest challenges restaurant owners face today is the rising cost of doing business.
Food prices, supply chain issues, labor shortages, and increasing operating expenses have all made it more difficult to run a profitable restaurant.
Tom talked about how owners must constantly adapt — finding ways to maintain quality while navigating an unpredictable economic environment.
Staffing can also be one of the most difficult parts of the industry.
Restaurants rely on strong teams to create great guest experiences, but finding and retaining good employees has become increasingly challenging in recent years.
Despite these obstacles, restaurants continue to serve as vital gathering places in communities like Hendersonville and Tryon.
Passion for Hospitality
What keeps restaurant owners going through the long hours and constant challenges?
Passion.
Tom’s dedication to hospitality is clear when he talks about his restaurants.
Places like Brooks Tavern and Verri’s Italian Restaurant aren’t just businesses — they are community spaces where people come together.
Great restaurants become part of the identity of a town.
They host first dates, family dinners, celebrations, and everyday moments that matter.
That sense of connection is what makes the hard work worthwhile.
Supporting Local Restaurants
Independent restaurants are an important part of the local economy and culture.
They provide jobs, create gathering places, and add personality to the communities we live in.
When you support local restaurants, you’re supporting the people who invest their lives into making those experiences possible.
Conversations like this help us appreciate the dedication behind the meals we enjoy.
Watch the Full Interview
In this interview, Tom Verri shares deeper insights about:
- The realities of owning multiple restaurants
- How the restaurant industry has changed over the years
- The challenges of staffing and rising costs
- Why hospitality still matters more than ever
Watch the full conversation below.
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