00;00;00;04 - 00;00;10;19
Thomas Ouellette
When Gary and Darla Sallee bought the toast in 2023, the couple estimated it would take $200,000 to remodel the cafe. But Darla Sallee says that figure then continued to grow.

00;00;10;21 - 00;00;17;03
Darla Sallee
Well, it costs way more than we wanted to, but, this is $1 million diner, so.

00;00;17;06 - 00;00;22;09
Thomas Ouellette
The Sallee's say they stuck with the project out of both personal and community love for the toast.

00;00;22;10 - 00;00;30;24
Darla Sallee
Just wanted to make sure that the community got to continue that tradition of family and togetherness. And at the toast.

00;00;30;26 - 00;00;42;03
Thomas Ouellette
According to the Sallee's, the opening last weekend saw more than 500 come to eat. Some attendees were new to the cafe, and others, like John Guajardo, had been eating at the toast since the 1970s.

00;00;42;09 - 00;00;52;24
John Guajardo
We'd always come over here and get a bite. Usually breakfast, about one tier, 2:00 in the morning before we headed back home. You know, we'd always end our night at the toast.

00;00;52;26 - 00;01;05;27
Thomas Ouellette
The cafe is going to remain closed for a few more weeks to train the new staff. Darla Sally says the support from the grand opening has shown her the people of Anderson are hungry for more. In Anderson, Thomas Ouellette IPR news.