Anastasios “Tasso” Kalliris

Anastasios "Tasso" Kalliris, 90, passed away April 2, 2022.  On June 10, 1931, Anastasios (Tasso) Kalliris was born in Zevgolatio, Corinth, Greece. As a young man, Tasso served in the Greek military and thereafter started his entrepreneurial journey by opening a small market, next door to his childhood home.

It was in the spring of 1959 when Tasso met Katina, who was visiting family, and with the wink of an eye Tasso captured her heart forever. A three-month romance led to their beautiful wedding in Corinth.

The newlyweds immigrated to Kansas City, Missouri, with Tasso speaking no English and never having traveled outside of Greece.

In America the couple worked hard and persevered to build a life for themselves and their growing family. After a decade, Tasso and Katina decided to pursue their entrepreneurial dream of starting a business, and that they did from a small kitchen in Poor Richards Irish Pub. An overwhelming response of support and love of Greek food from the entire Brookside neighborhood encouraged Tasso and Katina to open their very own restaurant on 75th and Wornall.

Tasso’s Greek Restaurant flourished as it grew from a small restaurant into a lively and successful Kansas City institution where locals and tourists came to celebrate life. Customers will remember Tasso jumping from the bar top to dinner tables, pouring Ouzo in everyone’s mouth, yelling “OPA” to get the party started. Tasso believed in enjoying life every day, and he never missed out on a good time.

In 1994, Tasso’s Greek Restaurant moved to its third and current location at 84th and Wornall. Here, Tasso worked hard to grow his business. His passion for life resonated as he incorporated live music, belly dancing, and plate breaking into the dining experience. As the Kansas City Star wrote, “Tasso’s is the place that gives Kansas City style.” In 2010, Kansas City honored Tasso’s legacy by dedicating three city blocks as the “Honorary Tasso Kalliris Street.”

While Tasso is remembered for his large life and spirited personality, his true legacy will always be his family. He treasured the opportunity to be surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Together, his family would spend their summers in Greece back in his village. Truly, Tasso lived life to the fullest and he was a pillar of both his community and his family.

Tasso is survived by his daughter Kiki and her husband Brian, his daughter Stacie and her husband Chris, his son John and his wife Amy, and his daughter Christina. Tasso is also survived by his grandchildren Vanessa, Kathryn, Katerina, Patricia, Sophia, Jimmy, Anastasia, and Tasso.

Visitation will be 4-8PM, Tuesday, April 5 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 12001 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri with the Trisagion service at 7PM.  Funeral services will be 10AM, Wednesday, April 6 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church; burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.

Visitation will be 4-8PM, Tuesday, April 5 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 12001 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Missouri with the Trisagion service at 7PM.  Funeral services will be 10AM, Wednesday, April 6 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church; burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.