Tom was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and his parents say he wanted to be a farmer from birth. At five he was already working his father's produce stand.
In the early 1970s Tom moved west and leased land in Lake Elsinore for his first produce stand — until the landowner wanted the property back. Undeterred, he found a spot in Temescal Canyon, just below the Cleveland National Forest, and named it Tom's Farms. People came from miles away, and it became a favorite stop for travelers.
Tom later bought the land and the farm kept growing — a 3,500 sq. ft. produce stand, then a hamburger restaurant, and when Interstate 15 opened in 1978, even more visitors. Today the property is home to shops, restaurants and family attractions.
- 1971
Tom moves west from Kansas City with one dream — to farm — and opens a produce stand in Temescal Canyon, below the Cleveland National Forest.
- 1974
A 3,500 sq. ft. produce stand opens. Travelers come from miles away.
- 1977
Tom's Old Fashioned Hamburgers opens to serve quality food to travelers.
- 1978
Interstate 15 opens, bringing even more visitors to the farm.
- Today
Shops, restaurants and family attractions — and the same promise: fresh produce, genuine people, and every visitor welcome.
Come see it for yourself
Open daily from 8am — right off the I-15 at Temescal Canyon Road.