Thomas Kazas’ mother was born in Kalamata, Greece to Elias and Garifalia Malapetas. His grandparents are both deceased, but he was very fortunate to have spent six summers with his grandmother and one summer with his grandfather. His grandmother, even today, remains one of the most influential people shaping his character.

   His mother, Maria, came to the U.S. via Canada. She was introduced to his father through mutual family friends. She married his father in 1960 when they moved to Aliquippa, Pennsylvania where she devoted her time and energy to raising three sons and serving the Aliquippa Greek Orthodox Church. To this day, she serves her God and church and family.

   His mother and her family endured the war, and most of his brothers and sisters left Greece in search of a better life.

   His father was born in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania to Stamatis and Frosine Kazas. Both are deceased, but he was fortunate to have spent eighteen years with his grandmother living a few blocks from their house. Stamatis and Frosine were married at the age of sixteen. They were both born on the island of Rodos (Rhodes) and came to America via Ellis Island in the early 1900s. His father and his family endured the Depression and struggled because of very limited educations and financial means.

   His parents were married in 1960 and raised three sons—Thomas, Elias, and George.

   Thomas Kazas’ father worked during the day as a mailman and worked a second job at night in hopes of providing a better life for all of them. His mother was home raising their three sons and had little education so was barely able to speak any English—even to this day.

   One of the most difficult times during his childhood was his very first day in school. Because his first language was Greek, he was unable to speak any English. Many days ended with him running home from school in tears. His teachers believed that he would need Special Education to overcome his "communication problem." This was just not in the household budget, so he worked harder and was determined to learn.

   During this time, Thomas Peter Kazas and his brothers all grew up close to the Greek community and more importantly, to the church. They always remembered and learned about who they were, where their family was from, their heritage, traditions, and beliefs.

   He learned a lesson from his father and always worked hard and maintained employment throughout his youth and adult life. He graduated from high school in 1980 with honors and went on to college and entered America’s work force. Kazas continued to work hard, learn new ideas, accept the challenges from his more mature and wiser business associates and give back to the community. On June 4, 1989, he married Sandra Frank. Both sides of her grandparents were born in Italy and also came to the U.S. via Ellis Island. Possessed with values and a strong work ethic, she has helped to complete Tom’s life. Together, they have worked to create their company from nothing but hard work and the desire to succeed.

   In just three years, the Hometown Coffee Company has grown to a multimillion dollar coffee and food enterprise conducting business in seven states with joint ventures in Mexico and opportunities in several other parts of the U.S.

   As the firm continues to develop, and as someone who has always tried to serve and help others, he is involved in various civic affairs. Dedicated to the ongoing challenge of educating the youth of America, it was with this spirit that the non-profit organization, The Java Sonata Endowment for the Arts, was established. During the past three years, they have raised over $60,000, helping hundreds of under privileged children with the costs of lessons, education, instruments, and exposure to the arts. Thomas Peter Kazas established this as a local endeavor and has recently attracted national interest.

   Another organization that is, and has been, of great importance to Tom for many years is the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital Free Care Fund. Throughout the year, their coffee carts are dispatched to various events in the city, supplying free coffee to the people in attendance in exchange for donations to the children. In the month of December, prior to the local hospital telethon, they supply coffee and labor for a two-week campaign to raise awareness and money for the children. To date, they have contributed more than $42,000 in funds and gifts-in-kind.

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