The Toast Café - AN INDIANA ICON

Shared Commitment to Community Impact

In addition to Cirque du Sallee culinary pop-ups, Gary and Darla also own the recently renovated and reopened The Toast Café, the iconic great American diner that has been an Anderson tradition since 1951. These enterprises, developed by Darla and Gary, not only promote economic growth but also enrich the cultural fabric of the community.

Together, Gary and Darla have leveraged their complementary skills to create transformative projects that benefit the community. From opening both Jingles and Wrecked, pop-up restaurants that breathe new life into local spaces and generated $26,000 donations to local not-for-profit art-centered entities, to renovating and reopening The Toast Café, to managing groundbreaking events that draw people together, their collaborative efforts exemplify the power of teamwork.

Gary and Darla share a common love of friends and family. They have four children and seven grandchildren in their blended family. Their love and commitment to their family is superior to all other aspects of their incredible lives.

A Dynamic Force for Good

The Sallees' unique combination of love for their city, their vision, dedication, and hard work has left an indelible mark on Anderson. They have not only revitalized cultural and social initiatives but have also demonstrated how collaboration and innovation can drive meaningful change.

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OUR PROUD OWNERS & RENOVATORS

Gary and Darla Sallee embody a dynamic partnership that has profoundly impacted Anderson, Indiana, through their entrepreneurial ventures, community leadership, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. Their combined talents in law, entertainment, community development, and nonprofit management make them exceptional candidates for the honor of "People of the Year."

Darla Sallee: A Visionary Leader

Darla Sallee is a passionate leader that focuses her life on the betterment of others, speaking into those who need her guidance, and creating spaces in the community where all can find connections and belonging. She brings unparalleled creativity and organizational expertise to the community.

As the Executive Director of the Anderson Symphony Orchestra, Darla has revitalized the nonprofit organization through innovative fundraising, exceptional event planning, and strong financial stewardship. Her leadership has elevated the orchestra to new heights, enriching Anderson's cultural landscape.

Darla also played a pivotal leadership role in the restoration of the Anderson Gaslight Festival on historic 8th Street, a community event, attended by an estimated crowd of 7,000 people, that was produced and promoted by a committee of volunteers.

As a citizen-volunteer, Darla has supported the City of Anderson by coordinating and producing the city’s parades, celebrations, and the holiday decorations throughout the City, all in the spirit of creating memories for the children of Anderson and places for the community to connect.

Darla also volunteers her time, energy and efforts to coordinate the annual City of Anderson’s Reverend J. T. Menifee City Wide Cleanup.

She is the Chairman of the Board of the Anderson Indiana Main Street Association, a Commission Member of the Madison County Visitor’s Bureau, and she is a recent appointee to the Anderson Housing Authority Board of Directors. Darla also provides leadership as a member of the Board of Directors of the Paramount Theater, and as a committee member of the Heart of Indiana United Way.

Darla's entrepreneurial prowess shines in her role as the co-owner of Cirque du Sallee. By creating unique, pop-up fundraising events like speakeasy bars, she has redefined community engagement, fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration. Her prior roles with the City of Anderson, where she managed communications, events, and marketing campaigns, demonstrate her ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

Gary Sallee's Legacy of Excellence


Gary Sallee is a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in the legal, entertainment, and sports industries. His remarkable career includes founding successful businesses, managing Platinum and Grammy®-winning musical artists such as Toby Keith, producing large-scale events, and excelling in corporate law.

Gary's work has been pivotal in negotiating sponsorships, managing top-tier events, and even competing, as a team owner, in the Indy 500 where they finished third and had three of his drivers win the coveted Rookie of the Year awards, all of which demonstrates his versatility and dedication to excellence.

Exemplifying his commitment to societal betterment, Gary is currently the Chief Legal Officer for Youth Opportunity Investments, where Gary oversees an organization with 27 residential assessment and treatment centers dedicated to providing care and treatment for nearly 1000 at-risk youth on a daily basis.