MURFREESBORO, TN - The mid-state lost a legend Wednesday morning with the passing of beloved restaurateur Jim Demos. Known not only for his role in shaping Middle Tennessee’s dining traditions, but also for the warmth and accessibility he brought to every table, Jim’s life was a testament to hospitality, family, and community. CLICK HERE for the complete Woodfin Funeral Chapel obituary.

Jim’s story began in Birmingham, Alabama, where at just nine years old he was already immersed in the rhythms of his father’s restaurant. Those early lessons—customer service, food preparation, and the daily cadence of welcoming guests—formed the foundation of his lifelong philosophy: restaurants should feel like home.

Even when he briefly stepped away from the industry and managed movie theaters, including the famous Fox Theatre in Atlanta, he found himself drawn back into the world of food and fellowship. It was in his blood.

Jim bought the Middle Tennessee territory for a relatively new concept spreading across the country known as Western Sizzlin’ Steak House. At one time, he owned seven locations scattered across Middle Tennessee, including a location here in Murfreesboro.

It was then that Jim and his best friend and business partner, Mike Thompson, created a local concept that began as “Tooter’s” in 1985. His son, Peter, jokingly recalls many visits he took as a young kid with his dad and Mike to various “Hooters” restaurants as they studied the concept.

Hooters even sued the duo, claiming the name “Tooters” was too close to their own. As a result, the new local favorite, Toot’s, was born.

Jim and Mike needed a managing partner, which they found in a young man from Memphis named Wade Hays. Wade moved his family to Murfreesboro, and the three became a dynamic team, building the Toot’s brand with Wade taking the lead. Jim and his family eventually sold Toot’s to Wade in 2006, and the two remained close friends until Jim’s death.

During that same period, Jim created another concept with a fellow restaurateur, founding the Murfreesboro location of Trappers. Many people today would remember Santa Fe restaurant, which is what Trappers eventually became once Jim sold his partnership.

Soon after that, Jim began working on his dream. This concept was one where he could use several of his family’s and friends’ recipes passed down through generations, including the now-famous Chicken and Rice Soup his mother made for him when he was sick.

In 1989, Demos’ Steak and Spaghetti House was born on Broad Street. Jim and his wife, Doris (affectionately known as Mrs. Demos), worked tirelessly to begin this new concept at an age when most people are thinking about retiring.

One morning, Doris came into the restaurant to help open and found their only manager’s keys on the desk; he had quit. She anxiously asked Jim what they were going to do, and Jim immediately “promoted” her to take the lead on front-of-house operations while he took care of the kitchen. She had never done anything like that before, but she quickly developed systems for service standards that are still in place today.

Doris was his partner not only in life but in vision. Though she passed away in 2009, her influence remains woven into the culture of the restaurants.

Their children also found their way back to the restaurant business, with their daughter, Felicia, operating the business office and their son, Peter, rejoining the family business after graduating from law school.

Wanting to take a step back and enjoy semi-retirement, the couple sold Demos’ to Peter and Felicia.

Today, a decade and a half later, Peter and his wife, Kristin, continue to operate Demos’, with both of their children also working in the stores.

Memories about Jim

Wade Hays noted, “I was able to see him one more time last night. He was my mentor and very close friend. I have a million stories and memories; I was with him when we created Demos Steak and Spaghetti House. Jim was a close friend, a pioneer and a huge advocate for Murfreesboro and Rutherford County.” 

Senior Judge Don R. Ash said, “Jim Demos and his bride were legends in our community. His kind heart and warm smile touched so many lives including mine. His legacy continues with his son Peter and the rest of the Demos family. Murfreesboro is a better place because he chose it to be home.”

Murfreesboro’s Mayor Shane McFarland commented, “Jim was a mentor to me when he didn’t even know it. I worked at Demos’ when I was in college and I watched how he treated his employees, his detail for customer service and how it put relationships first. He was a Murfreesboro icon and will be missed.”

Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford's Vice President, Community Relations and Past President/CEO Gordon Ferguson reflected, "When thinking about the passing of Jim Demos, two thoughts come to mind.....As Chamber Board chair, it was a great honor to let Mr. Demos know that Doris and he had been selected as the 2011 Business Legends of the Year. Ms. Demos had already passed but I'll never forget the gracious and humble way Mr. Demos responded to this news. Paul Latture and I were sitting with Mr. Demos at one of the tables in the restaurant before hours and I could tell he was really touched by this special recognition he was sharing with Doris.

Grennhouse Ministries Co-Founder Cliff Sharp recalled, "Jim was a special man. He loved his family and his community. His desire was to serve the community through having the best restaurant, both food and service. He always strived for excellence. He was willing to take a chance on hiring people who might not be able to work other places, and teach them how to work."

Former State Representative John Hood shared, "The community lost a good man in Jim Demos' death. He will be missed!"

MTSU President Sidney McPhee said, ““Elizabeth and I are heartbroken upon learning of the passing of Jim Demos, founder of the beloved Demos’ restaurant, who was known for his love of our community, his business acumen and his legendary service to his customers. On behalf of our True Blue community, we extend our sympathies to his family and appreciation for his tireless work in building his namesake restaurant into a community touchstone.”

Thank You Jim

Jim’s guiding principle was simple yet profound: “We don’t sell food, we sell how people feel when they leave.” That belief transformed dining into something more than a transaction—it became an experience, a memory, a tradition. For more than three decades, his restaurants have been woven into the fabric of Middle Tennessee life, places where families celebrated milestones, friends gathered, and strangers became neighbors.

Beyond the menus and the meals, Jim Demos will be remembered as a man who touched lives. His legacy is not just in the dishes served, but in the countless moments of connection that he created. He believed in the power of hospitality to uplift and unite.

Jim will be missed deeply, but his gift endures. Every shared meal, every laugh across a table, every family gathering carries forward the spirit of love and fellowship. Thank you, Jim, for the blessings you shared with all of us. Middle Tennessee is richer for your life, and though we mourn your passing, we celebrate the legacy you leave behind.