The Legacy Behind DotTommy’s

The owner Tina Payne, a half-Southern, half-Caribbean chef with over 10 years of catering experience, passionate about delivering not just meals but a full customer experience. The name DotTommy’s comes directly from my parents: Dorothy (“Dot”), a proud Southern Belle from a lineage of small business owners, and Thomas (“Tommy”), a Caribbean man who served honorably in the U.S. military as a chef.

DotTommy’s Food & Bakery is more than a catering business—it’s a tribute to generations of resilience, culture, and soul.

Growing up, the kitchen was our gathering place. My mother Dorothy was known for her warm spirit, deep southern roots, and signature baked goods—recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother, who ran family stores and served their communities with dignity and pride. Her meals brought people together, offering not just food, but comfort and love.

My father Thomas, descendant of Caribbean immigrants, served in the U.S. military and worked as a chef, feeding hundreds with heart and precision. He taught me the bold flavors of island cooking—jerk spices, coconut stews, oxtails slow-braised to perfection—and how to serve people with discipline and pride.

Together, my parents nurtured a home where hospitality, heritage, and hard work were second nature. Their example shaped me as a chef and entrepreneur, and it’s why I continue blending Southern tradition with Caribbean boldness in every dish I prepare.

DotTommy’s was born from their legacy—a fusion of Southern soul and West Indian flavor—and today, we continue that mission through pan orders, event catering, and community connection.

What began as a small operation with pots passed down through generations has now grown into a trusted local brand serving New Britain and surrounding communities. We’ve catered family reunions, baby showers, church dinners, and pop-up events—and now, we’re working to open our first brick-and-mortar restaurant at 248 Main Street, New Britain, CT.

This is our next chapter—a full-circle moment for a family legacy and a community vision.