Two new dining destinations are headed for Gainesville. Great American Restaurants (GAR) is bringing Tommy’s American and Best Buns Bakery & Burgers to Prince William County, marking the restaurant group’s first expansion into the area.
GAR has operated restaurant concepts like Patsy’s American, Coastal Flats, and Ozzie’s Good Eats throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland for over 50 years but has never had a presence in Prince William County. The new eateries will serve up familiar GAR concepts centered on classic American dishes, scratch-made baked goods, and casual dining.
Tommy’s American
Tommy’s American, inspired by established GAR restaurants like Patsy’s American and Mike’s American, will focus on approachable American fare with fresh ingredients and full-service dining. This is the first location of the new concept.
The restaurant’s name honors Tom Rush, GAR’s chief operating officer, who has been with the company for nearly 30 years. A graduate of James Madison University and the Culinary Institute of America, Rush joined GAR in 1995 as a kitchen manager at Artie’s and has since held a range of leadership roles, including executive chef and managing partner. He has overseen the opening of several GAR restaurants across the region.
Rush, who has lived in Gainesville and Haymarket for more than 20 years with his wife, Abby, and their three children, says the project carries special meaning.
“I’m overwhelmed and humbled to see Great American Restaurants opening in a place I’ve called home for over 20 years, let alone it being named after me,” Rush says. “I can’t wait for it to open and for Tommy’s American and Best Buns to become part of our community.”
GAR CEO Jon Norton also highlighted Rush’s role in the company’s development.
“While he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, Tom’s leadership, dedication, and passion for hospitality have been foundational to GAR’s success and continued growth,” Norton says. “So much so that he trained me on my first day in 1997. My father [GAR founder Randy Norton] wanted me to learn from the best, so he had me learn from Tom.”
Best Buns Bakery & Burgers
Also opening in Gainesville will be Best Buns Bakery & Burgers, GAR’s popular fast-casual concept with existing locations in Tysons, Shirlington, and Springfield.
The Gainesville restaurant will offer breakfast sandwiches, pastries, build-your-own burgers, and other popular menu items such as the honey fried chicken biscuit. A new Falls Church location is also in the works to open later this year.
GAR has not yet announced opening dates for the new restaurants.
Feature image of Patsy’s American courtesy Great American Restaurants
