Our History

Char Broil Family Restaurant, as it is known and loved today, began with Tom Tette and his son Shawn purchasing the business in 1999. But the story of the Tette family serving the Rochester community delicious food doesn’t just begin there.

The Cup and Saucer, a diner owned and operated by Tom’s parents, was located in the other half of his childhood home. Tom grew up, quite literally, in the restaurant business before officially joining it as a full-time career as a young adult. Tom’s sons, Tom M., Shawn and Michael, also grew up in the business, from playing in their grandparent’s restaurant to helping as waiters, servers or kitchen staff in the family’s other establishments throughout the years.


Char Broil Family Restaurant, as it is known and loved today, began with Tom Tette and his son Shawn purchasing the business in 1999. But the story of the Tette family serving the Rochester community delicious food doesn’t just begin there.

The Cup and Saucer, a diner owned and operated by Tom’s parents, was located in the other half of his childhood home. Tom grew up, quite literally, in the restaurant business before officially joining it as a full-time career as a young adult. Tom’s sons, Tom M., Shawn and Michael, also grew up in the business, from playing in their grandparent’s restaurant to helping as waiters, servers or kitchen staff in the family’s other establishments throughout the years.


Tom and Shawn purchased the Char Broil in 1999 with the dream of bringing this neighborhood gathering place to the next level and create the “Fine Diner Experience” we know and love today. Their first step? Expanding the original menu.

Wholesome, family recipes are the cornerstone to the Char Broil’s diverse and delicious dishes. While they worked to expand the restaurant’s original menu with fresh ideas, they enlisted the help of Tom’s wife, Linda.

Tom and Shawn purchased the Char Broil in 1999 with the dream of bringing this neighborhood gathering place to the next level and create the “Fine Diner Experience” we know and love today. Their first step? Expanding the original menu.

Wholesome, family recipes are the cornerstone to the Char Broil’s diverse and delicious dishes. While they worked to expand the restaurant’s original menu with fresh ideas, they enlisted the help of Tom’s wife, Linda.

They settled into a groove with Tom heading up the kitchen and Shawn managing the front end. Then in 2004, the youngest son, Michael, joined and continued the tradition of fresh food and fresh ideas.

When you visit the Char Broil today, you can see the whole family in action. As soon as you walk in the door, you will see the “Host with the Most” Shawn as he finds you a table. Tom and Mike head up the kitchen and you might even see the 4th generation — Shawn’s young children, Michael and Lila — bussing tables or cashing you out. You may even see Mike’s sons, Joey and Carmine, wandering around.

Of course, Char Broil would not be what it is today without the amazing staff and loyal customers that fill its dining room with joy and laughter each day. Our staff truly is exceptional, always bringing a warm smile and a friendly attitude to every table. They know how to make each guest feel welcome, whether it’s by remembering their name or offering just the right recommendation from the menu. The customers, in turn, always bring a lively and upbeat atmosphere, continuously adding to the charm of Char Broil throughout the years. It’s a perfect blend that makes dining here at Char Broil feel like so much more than just another meal.


Not only is every Char Broil visit filled with fantastic, fresh food but it’s also filled with family. Join us today for the Fine Diner Experience we know you will love.



Give the gift of great food!

Gift cards available. Purchase online or call us today!

Purchase Gift Card

Dine In. Take Out

Open 6 days a week!

View our Menu