Tom Aruffo worked for the Longo Brother's Corporation, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dish-washing then as preparation cook throughout high school. After finishing high school, furthering his career with culinary art school at - The World's Premier Culinary College - "The Culinary Institute Of America" in Hyde Park New York. After completing his externship at the Quality Inn Corporation, Tom worked as Executive Chef at the Italian Pavilion in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

In 1985, Valerie and Tom secured a lease in Claremont Village, California. Transforming a old store front into a thriving restaurant. Designing and building the restaurant themselves with their own visions and ideas. The Aruffo's have been through the test of time, raised two beautiful children and are ready to venture into a well thought out concept that they have designed & created.