By Mike Sparks
Who Remembers the 101st Airbourne Restaurant?
If my memory serves me right, I only had the chance to visit a couple of times. But back in its heyday, it was easily one of the most unique and popular dining spots in Nashville. Eating steak while listening to live air traffic control on those headsets was an unforgettable experience.
The 101st Airborne Restaurant stood as a distinctive landmark at 1360 Murfreesboro Pike in Nashville, Tennessee, just steps away from the city’s airport. Known for its tribute to the legendary 
101st Airborne Division, the restaurant combined a welcoming dining atmosphere with a patriotic theme that resonated deeply with military veterans, travelers, and locals alike.
Its location made it a convenient stop for visitors flying into Nashville, offering hearty meals and a unique sense of Tennessee hospitality. Inside, patrons were surrounded by décor honoring the bravery and history of the 101st Airborne, creating a setting that was as much about remembrance as it was about food.
Over the years, the restaurant became a gathering place for soldiers, aviation enthusiasts, and
community members. The proximity to the airport meant a steady stream of guests—from business travelers to vacationers—many of whom left with fond memories of its distinctive character.
Nashville author, engineer, and car collector John Bridges shared some memories of the 101st and his friend and founder David Tallichet. Their connection adds a personal dimension to the restaurant’s story, linking the establishment not just to military history, but to the individuals who brought its vision to life.
Although the restaurant is no longer in operation, its legacy remains tied to the pride and service of the division it honored. For those who remember walking through its doors, the 101st Airborne Restaurant represents more than just a meal—it was a place where history, hospitality, and community came together under one roof.
Nashville author, engineer and friend of David Tallichet shares some memories and talks classic and old cars.
The 101st Airborne Restaurant was an iconic Nashville establishment founded by David Tallichet, a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress pilot and a renowned collector of vintage military aircraft.
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Restaurant History
David Tallichet launched the 101st Airborne Restaurant in Nashville in the late 1970s as part of a chain of military-themed restaurants across the country. The Nashville location specifically paid tribute to the 101st Airborne Division, with decor and memorabilia evoking the camaraderie of WWII enlisted clubs. The restaurant became noted not just for its military theme, but for its outdoor display of a historic aircraft, which helped cement its place in local history.
The Founder: David Tallichet
Tallichet’s early life was shaped by his experience flying B-17 bombers in Europe during WWII, which inspired a lifelong admiration for the planes, the crews, and the broader story of military aviation.
After the war, he founded Specialty Restaurants Corp., creating numerous themed restaurants that showcased his personal passion for aviation and military history, often including static displays of vintage aircraft at the restaurant sites. Tallichet became one of the most prominent collectors of WWII aircraft in America and passed away in 2007, with his son taking over management of the remaining restaurants.
The B-17 Flying Fortress
Tallichet’s legacy is closely tied to the B-17 Flying Fortress, the aircraft he piloted during WWII.
Though the Nashville location was renowned for its C-47/DC-3 static display known as “Tooie,” Tallichet himself maintained and restored numerous B-17s and other warbirds for display and preservation, both at restaurants he owned and in his larger collection. His commitment to these historic aircraft helped preserve many wartime planes and their stories for future generations.
Aircraft Display: C-47 “Tooie”
One of the Nashville restaurant’s most recognizable features was the C-47/DC-3 “Tooie,” which was flown into Nashville in 
the late 1970s and sat on display for decades next to the restaurant. “Tooie” was built in early 1945 and served as a cargo plane after the war before being acquired by Tallichet. After the restaurant closed, the plane was transferred to the Indiana Air Search and Rescue organization, though it remains registered to Specialty Restaurants Corp.
Legacy
The 101st Airborne Restaurant in Nashville closed following rent disputes, but its memory continues through local alumni and historic interest groups, as well as the remaining Specialty Restaurant Corp. sites managed by Tallichet’s family. The establishment and its founder are celebrated for their dedication to military history and aviation heritage.
Below are the words of engineer, author, historian and designer John Brdiges.
“Even as a little boy, I was interested in WWII history. Living close to Sewart Air Force base near Smynra reinforced my interest in WWII bombers. For some reason the B17 Flying Fortress was my favorite. I sometimes dreamed I was tail gunner on the big bird and even as a youngster I put that dream was on my “bucket list.
The summer of 1989 was a very lucky time in my life. The Nashville airport was celebrating a new runway with an air show and classic car show on the new runway. I took my recently restored 1941 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet and my new girlfriend (later my wife) out to see the show. Parked close to the cars was several WWII aircraft including a B17. That was my first closeup look at the plane. Unfortunately, it was not open for tours. Soon a grey haired old gentleman exited the rear door and stood nearby. I approached him and began to ask a lot of questions which he cheerfully answered. Finally, I mentioned my bucket list desire to fly inside a B17. I almost fainted when he said, “Be here at seven thirty tomorrow morning and you can ride with us to Love Field in Dallas.” I quickly accepted Mr. David Tallichet’s offer.
The trip was great. I was free to roam throughout the plane, even setting in the pilot’s seat while he took a break. I think he thought I was a pilot. I didn’t correct him.
The airspace around Love was crowded and we had to circle along with several other planes. I remember David kidding around with his co-pilot. “109 at three o’clock” he shouted. When we finally landed we taxied right up next Air Force One. It seems President Bush was in Dallas (maybe still in his plane). I hoped not since David Tallichet had already left the B17 and was outside emptying our pee bucket on the tarmac. After saying my goodbyes I walked to the terminal to see what my chances of getting back to Nashville were.
I loved to eat at the 101st Airborne a WWII themed restaurant off Murfreesboro Pike. A short drive past a light tank led to the building decorated with WWII photos and artifacts. There was even a C47 (DC3) parked outside near the patio. I later found out that the place was owned by none other than WWII pilot David Tallichet who also owned over 100 similar themed restaurants around the country.”
Thank you John Bridges for all your endeavors over the years and your love and passion for history. You truly have left a legacy with all of your life’s endeavors. May God grant you many more years to continue to make an impact of the middle Tennessee community.
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