Five Crowns Salutes Tommy Martin

In 1968, our favorite Brit, Tommy Martin, moved to Orange County from the East Coast. Seeing Five Crowns’ Tudor architecture and red English phone booth, he quickly applied for a job, sensing he and the restaurant would be a perfect fit. Lucky for us he was right. Little did we know that half a century later, after working as bartender, wine captain and now as our Guest Ambassador, Tommy would be Lawry’s longest serving active co-worker.

His energetic, positive attitude and genuine desire to make every moment memorable have endeared him to two generations of guests. For many, a night at Five Crowns without a visit tableside from him doesn’t quite seem the same. For first-timers, meeting such a colorful and charming character, English accent and all, has been a wonderful introduction to the restaurant, its hospitality and its history.

A Times OC journalist wrote that Tommy is “as consistent and comforting as Yorkshire pudding and creamed spinach.” Five Crowns General Manager Kenyon Paar describes him as “a true gentleman and a professional; a gem [who makes Five Crowns] a community rather than a restaurant.” CEO Richard Frank summed it up when he observed, “Simply put, Tommy Martin embodies the Lawry’s co-worker spirit.” No wonder our Guest Ambassador received the Rosalind Williams Service Excellence Award in 2011.

“…Simply put, Tommy Martin embodies the Lawry’s co-worker spirit.”

We’re very pleased to announce that, to celebrate and honor his remarkable ongoing tenure at Five Crowns, we’ve named the restaurant’s main dining room the Tommy Martin Room.

He learned the news at a special co-worker meeting on June 1^st. Toasts were offered and a cake decorated with Tommy’s signature Roadrunner namesake was shared as the new name plaque was unveiled. He says he had an inkling he might receive a small recognition of his long service but was very surprised to have the dining room named for him. “It really made me feel good, wonderful, just great. I love it!” he said. He laughed as he explained that, since he doesn’t have “gadgets or computers,” guests who have learned about the new room name on social media have been congratulating him and letting him know his “likes” are up.

All of us at Lawry’s join in those congratulations. Tommy, you’ll always be at the top of our list.