George Tassis launches new Greek cafe at Tallebudgera Creek

His iconic property might be at risk due to light rail plans but that doesn’t mean George Tassis is going down without a fight, launching a new cafe at the site of a former seafood restaurant.

His iconic waterfront property might be at risk of disappearing due to proposed light rail plans but that doesn’t mean Gold Coast restaurateur George Tassis is going down without a fight.

The businessman this month launched a new hole-in-the-wall cafe – housed within the former site of George’s Paragon at Tallebudgera – in an apparent act of defiance against Queensland Government and Department of Main Roads and Transport.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, Kalimera Coffee will be serving up a tasty range of speciality Greek coffee, pizzas and sweet delicacies to hungry passers-by.

It comes months after Mr Tassis, owner of 1705 Gold Coast Highway, was served a resumption notice from state government to make way for Stage 4 light rail.

Mr Tassis later erected a sign in response to the revelation, opposing the proposed light rail plans through Burleigh and Palm Beach.

Staff member Amber Rankin serves a customer at a new hole-in-the-wall takeaway cafe at Tallebudgera Creek. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Social media stars have long flocked to the site, famed for its Grecian aesthetic, in pursuit of the perfect snap, while hundreds of beachgoers pass by weekly.

As word that the site could soon disappear spread, so too did anger from frustrated residents.

At the time, anti-light rail campaigner Karen Rowles told the Bulletin Mr Tassis, who purchased the property for $2.8 million in 2007, was devastated to be served the notice.

The former site of George's Paragon at Tallebudgera is set to be bulldozed as light rail plans for the area forge ahead. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“George spends his days making the exterior of the home and the surrounding gardens clean and beautiful for all the visitors and locals that take photos of his home for their social media pages,” Ms Rowles said.

“He loves his home. He sits at his breakfast table, with koalas in the trees beside his window. He’s absolutely shocked and devastated.”

A variety of pizzas, cold pressed juices, biscuits, Greek pastries and cakes are on offer.

Kalimera Coffee operates from Wednesday to Sunday and is located along the walkway into Burleigh National Park and Tallebudgera Creek.

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