After nearly three decades running one of Worcester’s longtime neighborhood restaurants, Tom Oliveri is retiring and selling Peppercorn’s Grille & Tavern to a former employee and members of his management team.
Oliveri, who has spent more than 40 years in the restaurant business, announced that Peppercorn’s is getting sold to Joe Kaplan and his family. Kaplan, a former Peppercorn’s employee who now operates three restaurants in the area, will be joined in the ownership group by the restaurant’s longtime general manager, Cathleen, and head chef, Marcos.
For customers of the Park Avenue restaurant, Oliveri said the transition should be virtually seamless.
“Most importantly, nothing is changing! The same great staff, menu, food, and friendly atmosphere you’ve come to love will all remain the same,” Oliveri wrote in an announcement to customers.
Located at 455 Park Ave., near Clark University, Peppercorn’s has been a fixture of Worcester’s restaurant scene for decades, known for its casual atmosphere and menu of American and Italian-inspired dishes, including pizza, seafood and longtime customer favorites.
The restaurant was established in 1995 by Thomas J. Oliveri, who died in 2007. His son, Tom, has operated the business for nearly three decades.
The sale comes less than a year after the restaurant’s ownership group purchased the Park Avenue property from Clark University for approximately $1.05 million in December 2025.
Oliveri did not disclose the sale price or an expected closing date in his announcement.
The transition will put the restaurant in the hands of people already familiar with its operations, including two longtime members of its management team.
“I couldn’t be happier knowing Peppercorn’s is in such great hands,” Oliveri wrote.
Oliveri also thanked the customers who have supported the restaurant throughout his tenure.
“To all our loyal customers, thank you for 29 incredible years of friendship, support, and memories. You’ve made this journey truly special, and I will always be grateful.”
The Worcester Guardian is seeking additional details about the sale and the new ownership group.
