“TBM” stands for “tomato, basil and mozzarella.” “TBM sandwiches” was posted on the newsgroup alt.newlywed on July 31, 2000. The “TBM” and “Chicken TBM” sandwiches were popularized by the Cosi restaurant chain.
 
A “TBM Salad” was printed in the Jewish Exponent (Philadelphia, PA) in September 2016. “TBM” as a pizza topping was printed in Eater—Las Vegas on March 12, 2018.
   
   
Cosi—Breakfast Sandwiches
tbm**
eggs, tomato, basil, fresh mozzarella, sundried tomato spread
$3.99
     
Cosi—Sandwiches
tbm
tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, cosi vinaigrette
$5.49 - $7.69
 
Cosi—Sandwiches
chicken tbm
tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella, cosi vinaigrette
$5.99 - $8.69
   
Google Groups: alt.newlywed
cooking club?
Leslie Deak
7/31/00
aMAZon wrote:
> already.  Now, we’ve got tomatoes growing, but nothing is ripe
> yet.  When it is, the basil growing in the garden will have to
> look out.  And I’ll be down at Capiello’s dairy store for the
> fresh mozzarella so fast it’ll leave tire tracks! 😊
 
I bought fresh mozz and some basil at the “natural foods store” last week, and am waiting for the tomatoes to ripen a bit more. (My basil didn’t survive the move and subsequent neglect.) I’ve got a loaf of yummy sourdough standing by. Too bad DF doesn’t like the TBM sandwiches as much as I do. :(
     
31 January 2005, Nation’s Restaurant News (New York, NY), “Cosi” by Susan Spielberg, pg. 82:
According to Seidman, Cosí‘s best-selling sandwich is its Chicken TBM, which is tomato, basil and mozzarella with grilled chicken and a balsamic vinaigrette. Cosí‘s second-best-selling sandwich is its plain tomato, basil mozzarella sandwich without the chicken. Those two varieties constitute 20 percent of all sandwiches sold.
 
Twitter
Sarah Baicker
@sbbaicker
@jtannenwald Cosi TBM melt—mozzerella, tomatoes, basil. Perfection. So much better than soup.
1:50 PM - 30 Apr 2009
       
City Guide (New York City)
The Complete Rockefeller Center Dining Guide
March 20, 2015 - by Melanie Baker
(...)
Head To: Cosi, 61 W. 48th St., 212-265-7579
You’ll Find: A roaring oven firing up toasty bread, modern and inviting decor, and quick service.
You’ll Order: The T.B.M (Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella) sandwich, Peruvian Palm Salad, and tabletop s’mores so you can make your own dessert.
     
1 September 2016, Jewish Exponent (Philadelphia, PA), “Simple, Cool, Healthy and Delicious” by Keri White, pg. 19:
TBM SALAD
(Tomato/Basil/Mozzarella)
2 heirloom tomatoes, cut in bite-sized pieces (note: if heirlooms are not available, substitute 2 pints grape or cherry tomatoes cut in half)
10 basil leaves, rinsed and cut in ribbons
1 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut in bite-sized chunks
¼ cup olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Place all ingredients in a shallow bowl and toss well, Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Serves 4 to 6
 
Twitter
Così
@get_cosi
Tomato, basil, mozzarella: The three most delicious reasons to celebrate #WorldVegetarianDay with our tbm sandwich.
1:15 PM - 1 Oct 2016
 
Twitter
Syerra Graham
@Foodie_Syerra
I had Così for lunch today. I tried their TBM sandwich which comes with steak, tomatoes, basil,… https://www.instagram.com/p/BdNrrbunzuK/
12:30 PM - 27 Dec 2017
     
Eater—Las Vegas
Pizzeria Monzú Debuts with Italian Street Fare
Pizza, bruschetta and more
by Susan Stapleton Mar 12, 2018, 2:00pm PDT
(...)
Pizze
Calabrese. artisan salame calabrese. hot peppers. black mediterranean olives. t.b.m.* $18|$34
(...)
t.b.m.*. indicates tomato. basil. mozzarella Verdure di stagione
 
Twitter
Muff
@BrownSkynbeauti
Replying to @Skinny215
I always get the chicken tbm, it’s a flatbread sandwich. Grilled chick, tomato, basil leaves, mozzarella and balsamic vinaigrette
9:58 AM - 30 Oct 2018