A few things have changed, including the name. Tommie’s Castaic Cafe has been a Castaic staple since 1982. Then, it was owned and operated by the McGonigal family, and it quickly became a place customers could rely on for good home cooking at a reasonable price.
About a year ago, the McGonigals sold the cafe and moved to Arkansas. But just like when your kids leave the nest, owner Mike McGonigal wanted to make sure Tommies was in good hands.
Rick Garcia and Joel Forte grew up together in the Antelope Valley. In 1978, while Garcia played quarterback and Forte played running back at Quartz Hill High School, they learned all about teamwork. Although to this day, Forte has one complaint, “He never pitched me the ball enough.”
Garcia’s response, “I have never met a running back who gets the ball enough.”
Garcia would know. He has been reporting sports on television in Los Angeles since 1987, and recently added news anchor to his resume. Forte went on to establish a successful financial planning business.
It was almost a year ago that the two were introduced to Mike McGonigal. He had options. Several buyers were interested in the cafe.
“We had breakfast at Tommie’s one day and couldn’t believe how incredible the food tasted,” Forte recalls, “It’s a charming little place with great food, and we made it clear to Mike that it was important to us to retain that appeal.”
It was then that McGonigal knew he had his buyers.
Forte, Garcia, and a third partner Rick Hoefke, who has a dental practice in Woodland Hills, purchased Tommie’s.
“We do everything in our power to stay out of the way of Tommie’s success,” says Forte.
Although, on occasion, you’ll see him and Garcia washing dishes if a busboy calls in sick. Says Garcia, “It quickly reminds us how hard our staff works.”
The staff is led by the star of the cafe, Tommie’s head cook, Issy. Issy is a customer favorite.
There has been some remodeling and Tommie’s hours have expanded to include Saturday Night Dinner. Along with the usual favorites, Tommie’s famous chiliburgers, outstanding omelets and other breakfast items, the cafe offers some new dinner entrees. Geraldine’s Fried Chicken is a taste of the south, a recipe from the family of Forte’s wife. There’s steak and all-you-can-eat shrimp and delicious Fettuccine Alfredo.
“We want folks in Castaic to know they have a home for dinner without having to drive. But we also want people in Santa Clarita to know there’s another option for them just a few minutes away. And you don’t have to get dressed up.” says Forte.
Finally, the running back is doing the pitching.
Tommie’s Castaic Café is located at 31526 Castaic Road. Just take the I-5 to the Parker Road exit.
For more information, please call Tommie’s Castaic Café at 661-257-3239.