By Mike Sparks
Who Remembers the 101st Airbourne Restaurant?
If my memory of correct I only visited there twice. It was no doubt one of the place to be in Nashville—back in the day.
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 
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
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.
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 
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
