Photos by TK Media
City Walk owner Travis Tong has made his name as a local restaurateur with a focus on the downtown area. His latest venture is Callas Tavern & Restaurant, named after a sweet shop that was built by Greek immigrant Mike Callas in the 1920s.
Combining the feel of a speakeasy with classic Beaux Arts architecture, Callas treats guests to a unique dining experience.
“The idea sprouted a few years ago when we were busy with City Walk and wanted to open a new restaurant,” said Tong. “We were thinking in small terms, because we wanted to ensure quality, so when this location became available, we did our research and decided it was the right choice.”
The Callas Sweet Shop, located at 420 Frederica Street, served sweets and sodas in the 1920s. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, and deemed significant as “having the only surviving example of complete terracotta tile fronts in downtown Owensboro.”
When Callas Tavern & Restaurant opened its doors, a main goal was to preserve the history of the building itself, and to restore it, in a sense. With a front bar custom-built out of vintage wood from buildings across town and a back bar made from various pieces from the late 1800s and early 1900s, a 1920s-era speakeasy feel was achieved.
“We started with that idea,” said Tong, “And we wanted the menu to be steak-driven. We have Kentucky-proud items; American wagyu from Snake River Farms in Idaho; and steaks from Creekstone Farms in Kansas. You can find quality beef from all over the country right here at Callas.”
At Callas, diners can enjoy high-end steaks “without Vegas prices.”
“We have strict standards and are customer-driven,” noted Tong. “But we want our fare to remain affordable. It has been my experience that there are three key main criteria that determine a restaurant’s long-term success: maintaining a welcoming atmosphere, providing excellent service, and consistently offering good food. We have seen these things keep us going at City Walk, and plan to do the same at Callas.”
A unique atmosphere is evident the minute one steps through the door, and Tong seems to have accomplished his goal of “wanting this place to feel like an old New York City steakhouse.” While City Walk was built with a Nashville dive bar in mind, Callas was formed more in the mold of a big city chophouse.
“We are not just a place that serves food, we are in the hospitality business,” Tong emphasized. “We want people to be greeted when they enter, enjoy the experience while they are here, and have the door held for them when they exit. We want them to feel welcome.”
Travis Tong hopes his new venture will be a boon for local tourism.
“Based on my experience with City Walk, when tourists come to town, they want to eat somewhere local, some place they don’t find elsewhere,” Tong said. “People are always looking for that hidden gem when they visit a new place, and Callas should fall into that category. Hopefully, they will read reviews or ask around and want to give us a try.”
Now working on a second floor, live music is in the works. Tong hopes that this upcoming holiday season will see the restaurant hosting holiday parties. Callas Tavern & Restaurant brings a unique flavor to downtown Owensboro, one that opens the door to an exciting opportunity for growth while preserving the historic past. OL
