On today’s show I sat down with Tom Main, the visionary behind the restaurants Tinker Street, Puccini's Smiling Teeth, and Freeland’s.

Main's unconventional introduction into the restaurant industry began at age 30 after a stint in prison. Driven by a need for change, he launched the pizzeria Puccini's Smiling Teeth in 1991, successfully expanding to multiple locations.

In 2015, he opened Tinker Street, followed by Freeland’s in Carmel, aiming to empower adults with developmental disabilities while showing his commitment to people and the community.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast. 

You are going to learn about:

• Tom Main’s Journey to Becoming a Restaurateur

• The Foundings of Puccini’s Smiling Teeth, Tinker Street, and Freeland’s

• Day-to-Day Realities of the Restaurant Business

Thank you to our partners:
Cowpokes
J.C. Hart
AccountedFor

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:56 Guest Introduction: Tom Main, Tinker Street
02:26 Tom's Early Life and Entry into the Restaurant Business
02:51 The Turning Point: Federal Prison and Self-Reflection
06:07 Discovering a Passion for Restaurants
12:07 Starting Puccini's: The Early Days
23:42 Challenges and Failures in the Restaurant Industry
30:55 Expanding and Managing Multiple Locations
33:29 Stepping Away and Returning with Tinker Street
37:09 Starting Tinker Street: The Early Days
37:47 Creating a Unique Dining Experience
38:48 The Challenges and Successes
41:33 Community and Evolution
43:53 The Reality of the Restaurant Business
48:35 Opening a New Restaurant in Carmel
51:50 Lessons from the Restaurant Industry
53:55 Future Plans and Reflections
55:48 Indiana and Community Involvement