The idea of a diner was a dream of Matt Kallman and John Glendale White.
The pair met in law enforcement years ago. Kallman moved on from police work and eventually his career as a bail bondsman. But their friendship continued.
Decades later, the Talisi Old Town Grille became a reality after White’s retirement.
“He was going to do a food trailer and needed a commissary,” Kallman said. “I bought this building to do it and help him out.”
Kallman’s idea was basically a small space with lots of storage for White to operate out of.
“It got out of hand and he died in the process,” Kallman said. “He cut his foot and it went septic. He never got to see this.”
Just before Thanksgiving Kallman opened the doors to the Talisi Old Towne Grille, but not without help. Kallman didn’t reveal much about the cook, but said he had a couple decades of experience in diners around the area.
“We have hired experience in the kitchen,” Kallman said. “They have been at local diners for almost 20 years. He’s great with eggs, bacon, sausage, biscuits, hash browns, grits, cheese grits — all the traditional stuff.”
The newest restaurant in town, which is in an old drug store that used to have a soda fountain, will also serve hamburgers, wings, chicken fingers, hamburger steak and sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Kallman’s daughter Sydney is helping during lunch and dinner.
Kallman is no stranger to Tallassee. He grew up in Eclectic but spent much of his time in Tallassee.
“My mother and father had the sewing plant in Jordanville,” Kallman said. “They were a big employer here when I was a kid.”
Kallman remembers his father dropping him off at a daycare on West Butler Street in Tallassee. After daycare, he didn’t stay in Eclectic.
“When I got old enough to drive, I spent most of my time here,” Kallman said. “I worked for Mr. Emfinger for three years.”
After more than a year of renovating the old drug store, Kallman is waiting to see what’s in the future.
“We have been working on this for a while,” Kallman said. “I’m just glad to have it finished now.”
