Joel Jerkins has been cooking since his teenage years, and started working in upscale kitchens after graduating from the Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon. Although his background started in fine dining establishments, Jerkins and his wife, Vanessa, strive to provide affordable dining and community gathering spaces. Joel hails from Mississippi and brings his love for Cajun food to SWVA. Papa Tom's captures this perfectly with outdoor patio seating, a wide range of menu items & prices as well as a funky atmosphere.