Athanasios "Tommy" Raptis was born in Viniani, Evrytanias on January 18th, 1961. His parents were Serafim (January 23rd, 1927- July 16th, 2012) and Penelope (May 21st, 1931 – April 23rd, 2026) Raptis.

The family immigrated to America in 1974 and settled in Charlotte, North Carolina. He married Maria (Burlos) on May 6th, 1990. Their daughter Lea (Penelope) was born on June 13th, 1994. Tommy has been the owner of the East 74 Restaurant for 30 years.