"We're now Tomato Thyme," Smith said. "I think it's a great name, and it will help move us away from people thinking we're 'just a pizza joint' and help them see us more as what we're trying to be."

And for Smith that direction is clear.

"When we first opened the Hamilton location, I had the idea of making the restaurant more of a full-service restaurant, instead of just a place for great pizza," Smith said.

In keeping with that goal, Smith and a crew of contractors turned the new space into a cozy-feeling restaurant with elevated booths, granite countertops and more TVs showing sporting events than one could imagine.

"People came into Stuft Pizza for our great pizza and pasta dishes. We loved doing that kind of business," Smith said.

But still Smith had the dream of turning his business into the family restaurant he had envisioned from the beginning.

Smith, who is one of the founders of Stuft Pizza, which originated in the Southern California area more than 22 years ago, owns three locations in the San Jose area.

"When we had to move the Campbell location, I knew it would be the perfect time to make some of the changes I had been wanting to make. And the customers have been really enjoying the changes," Smith said.

One of the first things that stands out when customers walk into the new Tomato Thyme is the fact that there is a full bar and a tablecloth on each table.

"We want Tomato Thyme to feel fancy and family style all at the same time, and I think we've been able to make that happen," Smith said.

Some of the other changes that customers of Tomato Thyme will notice are the new additions to the menu.

"I've been able to play around in the kitchen with our chef, and we've come up with some really great dishes. We've added some wonderful steak dishes, and I'm hoping to get the smoker we bought up and running in just a few more weeks," Smith said.

Smith wants to add some smoked items, such as ribs, to his menu.

"I'd like to be able to set up sort of a barbecue atmosphere here, too. Somewhere where you can get some great smoked ribs and a good bottle of wine," Smith said.

During all of the changes, Smith has kept one thing in mind.

"My goal has always been the same. Give the customers the very best that we can and wait for them to come back. We've had a lot of return business, so I know we're working in the right direction," he said.

The family atmosphere is supported by the crayons that are delivered to a table with children and the video-game parlor Smith placed in the back room.

"The video games were mostly for the kids. We put in a couple of driving games and a couple of those machines where the claw comes down to get a prize. But we see adults back there having fun as well," Smith said.

Tomato Thyme still offers large banquet facilities for private or corporate parties.

"We're trying to accommodate everyone, without anyone feeling left out. I think we've hit the right blend," Smith said.

Tomato Thyme is located at 1560 Hamilton Ave. Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information call 408.723.7333.