Tommy’s Pizza was founded in June of 1973, by Greek immigrant, Thomas Kranias and his wife, Nancy (Heller). Tommy was born in the northern mountains of Greece, in September 1930, to Sophia and Hristos Kranias. He grew up in a family which included three younger siblings. The family lived a meager life on the land of a small farm where they raised chickens and goats, and grew their own crops for food.
Tommy’s uncle, Ernest Kranias, had immigrated to the United States years before, and settled in Gettysburg, Pa. Ernest established himself as a restaurateur, owning and operating The Texas Lunch. The successful hot dog shop is still in operation today on Chambersburg Street, operated by Ernest’s grandson, Ernie and his wife Linda. During a family visit to Greece in the late 1930’s, Uncle Ernie took a liking to nephew Tommy. When Ernie returned to the United States he vowed to bring his nephew to “America, the land of opportunity” in the hopes that Tommy could make a better life here.
Tommy arrived at New York’s Ellis Island on November 8, 1951. He was 21 years old, spoke not a word of English, and came with little more than the clothes on his back and the sandals on his feet. Uncle Ernie and Aunt Emily immediately put Tommy to work at the hot dog shop. There, he thrived as a hard worker and made a multitude of friends while learning to speak and write English. In 1955 he met and married Nancy Heller, a local “Biglerville girl”. Late in 1955 they had a baby daughter, Catherine and six years later they welcomed son Chris.
In early 1973, Tommy decided to strike out on his own. He rented, and later bought, the former railroad station on North Washington Street which previously operated as a little restaurant called The Whistlestop. In early June of 1973, he opened the doors of Tommy’s Pizza which was an instant success. The success of Tommy’s Pizza was primarily due to the many friends Tommy came to know during his 19 years working at the Texas Lunch.
In 1983, daughter Cathy joined the business. In 1987, Tommy and Nancy sold the railroad station property to Gettysburg College and purchased the current property located at 105 Steinwehr Avenue. During the years that followed, Cathy’s husband joined the business and in 1995 Cathy and Bill purchased Tommy’s Pizza.
Son Wade joined the business full-time in 1998 after graduating from Millersville University, with younger son Drew following in early 1999. In Jauary 2017 sons Wade and Drew purchased the business from their parents and pledged to carry on their grandfather’s legacy. “ We are very proud to be the third generation to continue the traditions set forth by our grandfather and grandmother”, says Wade and Drew
Sadly, Tommy passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly on May 30, 1999. There is not a day goes by that we do not think of him- father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and try to honor his memory.