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A press release from the Broder Family:

Tom Broder, owner and founder of Broders’ Cucina Italiana and Broders’ Pasta Bar, quietly succumbed to a life-long heart condition at his home on Saturday, July 5, 2008. He was fifty-nine. Tom is survived by his wife Molly, sons Thomas (wife Annie), Charlie and Danny.

Tom, along with his wife and business partner Molly, opened Broders’ Cucina Italiana in 1982 at 50th and Penn Avenue South in Minneapolis. Twelve years later, in 1994, they opened Broders’ Pasta Bar at the same intersection. Tom Broder was instrumental in bringing authentic Italian ingredients to Minneapolis, as well as some of his own childhood favorites: New York style pizza and the South Jersey Hoagie, both of which have become trademarks of Broders’ Cucina Italiana.

Fresh pasta was also a passion of Tom’s and he brought the first equipment from Italy to Minnesota so fresh pasta could be produced on-site at the deli. When Broders’ Pasta Bar opened in 1994, Tom realized his dream of a full service restaurant producing authentic, house made pasta equal to any pasta served in Italy.

In 1996, working with local and state leaders, Tom Broder spearheaded a change in state law allowing neighborhood restaurants to serve wine and beer which helped give rise to the proliferation of small, neighborhood eateries that so enrich the Minneapolis dining experience.

Molly will remain active in the business as CEO, along with their son Thomas who recently joined the business as executive chef of Broders’ Cucina Italiana. Michael Rostance, who has been with Broders’ Pasta Bar since its inception, will continue as chef.

Tom will be greatly missed by the nearly 100 Broders’ employees and countless loyal customers. Born in New Rochelle, NY in 1948, Tom received a BA and MA from St Louis University. Tom’s passion for cooking, especially Italian food, began in his early years in New York and took him to Italy for travel and education.

Ten years ago, Tom became a recipient of a donor heart and felt truly cared for by the physicians, nurses and staff of Abbott Northwestern Hospital and in particular Station 45.

Friends may visit at the family home on Tuesday, July 8, 4:00 – 8:00 PM & Wednesday, July 9, 4:00 – 8:00 PM at 4841 Russell Avenue South, Minneapolis.

The family is grateful to all the health professionals who cared for Tom over the past 14 years. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to the Abbott Northwestern Heart Institute Foundation.