Historic Taliano’s Italian Restaurant to close May 31 after 55 years

Taliano’s General Manager Tara Way was busier than normal Monday (April 7) taking reservations. Her boss, Joe Caldarera, surprised many area residents Sunday with a social media post announcing that the popular restaurant will close May 31.

Tom Caldarera Jr., Joe’s father, opened Taliano’s Italian Restaurant at 14th and B streets in Fort Smith with partner Jim Cadelli in 1970. The restaurant is in the renovated Sparks Mansion built in 1887, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tom, who was the active owner and manager for many years, died in early 2021.

“We’ve had 55 years of prom dates here,” Joe Caldarera said with a laugh during a Monday afternoon interview.

But he had a few moments of emotion during the interview. He said the decision to close was tough, and “it was a process” that was discussed for a few years among the Caldarera siblings. Caldarera said “it wasn’t any one thing” resulting in the ultimate decision to close the Italian restaurant billed as Fort Smith’s oldest family-owned restaurant. He said it has become more expensive and more difficult in recent years to operate a restaurant.

“It’s just a combination of things,” Caldarera said. “It’s just time. One of the reasons is that I turn 50 this year. … I’m at that point in my life where I want to try some professional challenges in my career … and my children don’t have any interest in keeping it going. My siblings don’t have any interest. And so, it’s alway been a very challenging industry, but it’s very rewarding, and it’s always been very rewarding. But this has very much been a family decision. It’s not just me making the decision.”

Taliano’s is expanding its hours — open from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday beginning April 15 through the closing on May 31 — and honoring catering commitments through June. The restaurant has about 15 full- and part-time employees.

‘SUCH A HARD GAME’
Jeff Gosey, owner of AJ’s Oyster House at 115 N. 10th St. in downtown Fort Smith, a few blocks from Taliano’s, said he was “shocked” when he found out about the closing.

“It really came out of left field for me,” said Gosey, who has owned AJ’s for 13 years. “I had no idea. It’s so sad. I mean 55 years. I grew up there. … We did family stuff there with celebrations and birthdays and weddings and all that, probably like a lot of other families did.”

He also agreed the restaurant business has become more difficult to manage.

“The restaurant business these days is so tough,” Gosey said. “It’s such a hard game. It’s definitely not for the weak. Food costs are through the roof, and it’s not getting any better.”

Caldarera said he was moved by the numerous positive comments posted on social media following the announcement.

“It reaffirmed why we worked so very hard for 55 years,” he said. “When you see all those comments, it’s a good feeling because the reason, the thing that kept you going, was for the guests. They are part of our family.”

‘FINISH UP STRONG’
He’s not sure if anyone will lease and operate the location as a restaurant. The building has the advantage of being in a historic building, but the disadvantage is that it’s in a historic building, he said.

“This building, this structure, is a historic structure and is a treasure to Fort Smith, specifically downtown Fort Smith,” Caldarera said. “I can tell you that the house was built in 1887, and you know, there is constant maintenance and insurance to get it insured.”

He said his focus now, and that of the staff, is to ensure people have “positive memories” of a final visit to the historic restaurant.

“What we’re going to try and do is to finish up strong in the last two months and work really hard and try and do our best to make everybody happy like we’ve been doing for 55 years,” Caldarera said.

TALIANO’S STATEMENT
Following is the complete, unedited statement from Taliano’s:

After 55 rewarding years of serving the Fort Smith community, it is with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of Taliano’s Italian Restaurant, effective 5/31/2025. This decision comes after much thought and consideration, and while it is a difficult one, we are thankful for the long and successful journey we have shared with all of you.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every patron who has supported us over the years. Your loyalty and friendship have been the cornerstone of our success. You have made us part of your lives, and for that, we are forever grateful.

Thank you to our incredible staff, both past and present, for your hard work, dedication, and passion. You have played an important role in making Taliano’s a beloved staple of this community. We could not have done it without you, and we will always cherish the memories we have created together.

To our founders: Thomas J. Caldarera, Jr. (wife Dorothy) and James J. Cadelli (wife Meredith). Without your vision, work ethic, fortitude during trying times, and your true love for your guests and community, none of this would have been possible. To the generations of Caldarera & Cadelli children and grandchildren your contribution  and love for this business and your family has not gone unnoticed. Thank you all!

We have proudly served the River Valley region since 1970, and while this chapter comes to a close, the memories, friendships, and the spirit of Taliano’s will live on in our hearts. We will never forget the amazing moments we’ve shared with each of you. Thank you again for making Taliano’s a true home for great food, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

We will be expanding our operating hours to: Tuesday thru Saturday 5 pm to 9pm starting Tuesday 4/15/2025 through our final day on Saturday 5/31/2025. Please make plans to come visit us and share your memories with us. We will be accepting reservations and we kindly ask for your patience as we expect an increase in business for our final days.

With sincere appreciation,

The Caldarera and Taliano’s Family