Tom and Jerry’s was founded in the late 70s in McAllen, Texas. Cody Pace, has since
continued his family's legacy that started with his mother, Beth and late father, Jerry Pace.
His mother, Beth, moved down to the valley where she met Jerry Pace and opened their first restaurant with his business partner Tom Cunningham. Later, they married and had four children, of which Cody was the first.
"My dad has been in the service business for his whole life," said Pace. During those years, Tom and Jerry's had four locations, two in McAllen, one in Sharyland, and one on South Padre Island. In the 80s, Jerry bought out Tom, but kept the name, since it was a well-known restaurant.
Now, Tom and Jerry's Beach Club Bar & Grill is the last standing restaurant of the small chain and has been on the island for over 25 years. Initially known for their delicious burgers, they mastered their fresh seafood menu after moving to the island.
Pace became involved in the restaurant business during his upbringing. In 2009, Pace he moved to the island full-time and asked his father to help run the business. Cody praised his staff for not only making doing business easier, but also pointed out that a great team is what makes a business run.
Pace enjoys fishing, hunting, golfing, and grilling when he can get away. "Anything in the outdoors." In hopes of bringing more businesses to the island, Pace is currently on his second term serving on the Special Events Committee for the CVAB.
The future of Tom and Jerry’s focuses on friendship, Pace plans to keep the friendly atmosphere of the community. "We have good customers that return. It's a place where you come and feel like you're somebody. You come in here, and you leave as a friend."
