Founder of the Anchor Inn leaves a legacy of love

MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The legacy of Antonio Flores Jr., founder of the Anchor Inn restaurant, continues to ripple through generations in Hutchinson, where his family and customers alike remember him not just as a restaurateur, but as a father figure to many.

Flores, who purchased and opened the Anchor Inn in 1977, poured nearly five decades of passion and purpose into the business. Even in his final years, he remained a daily fixture at the restaurant, working tirelessly until the very end.

“There’s literally thousands of people who lovingly think of him as a father,” said his son, Greg Flores. “He never turned anyone away. Whether it was someone who had wandered off the street, needed a meal, or somebody who needed a job, or even a place to stay, he’d help facilitate that.”

Antonio’s impact extended far beyond his kitchen. He was known for his warm smile, his generosity, and his deep-rooted love for serving others. His commitment to community, through both his restaurant and the church, fed not just stomachs, but souls.

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Even at 87, Antonio was present every day, showing up with unwavering energy and a signature sense of humor that his family says never waned. His four daughters remember him as a jokester who worked hard and never showed the strain of difficult times.

“It’s his legacy. He is the restaurant,” said Esther Flores Acosta. “It was a joy to work with. It didn’t make it grueling. Get up in the morning to go to your job. It wasn’t like that here.”

Throughout the years, Antonio expanded the business, adding space, importing a fountain from Mexico, and launching a successful delivery and catering service called Anchor Away. Yet, through all the growth, what customers cherished most was Antonio himself—often found in his usual seat, silverware in hand, sharing laughs with anyone who walked through the door.

Greg Flores said those are big shoes to fill. “When they see me sitting in the chair, wrapping the forks, especially the older generation, they’ll say, ‘Hey, that was your dad’s job.’ I’m like, ‘Hey, I got this,’” he said with a smile.

True to Antonio’s spirit, the Anchor Inn remained open on Wednesday after his passing. His family said he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.