In the summer of 1978, Thomas and the late Carmela Galbato purchased Tom Thumb Drive In and started the Galbato family tradition of serving great food and delicious desserts for their customers to enjoy. At that time, Tom Thumb Drive In consisted of a one-building ice cream stand with picnic tables outdoors overlooking beautiful Owasco Lake. Sadly, just the following summer, on July 11, 1979 Carmela Galbato was taken from her family by a drunk driver.

 

In every sense, Tom Thumb has been and continues to be a family business. As Tom and Carm’s children grew, Sebastian, Rick and Sandra worked in the family business. In fact, Tom’s sister, Carmela Giordano, cooked at lunch time for over 15 years.

 

Thanks to the loyalty of our valued customers, over the years we have grown. In 1985, we added two inside dining-rooms, using full length widows to provide for indoor seating, yet let in the natural beauty of picturesque Owasco Lake. Long time residents of the Auburn area may recognize the windows which came from Seward Elementary School.

 

And over the years, the Tom Thumb family has grown. Tom Thumb has employed over 250 young adults from Auburn and Cayuga County. We are proud that they are part of the Tom Thumb family and we invite you to take a look at all the names of our past and present employees displayed on the ice cream cones at the front of the restaurant.