The Anchor Inn was one of the most popular restaurants in MoCo for 50 years. Established in 1954 in the heart of Wheaton, The Anchor Inn was one of the first six establishments in Montgomery County to apply for and receive their liquor license in 1964.
“Anchor Inn was part of traditions for many others in the community, said Scaggs, such as the Colesville Lions Club, Wheaton-Kensington Chamber of Commerce, Good Counsel High School and the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad. The fund-raisers, high school events and community fellowship were a part of the family’s service to the area apart from serving quality food.” – Gazette
During its later years of operation, the Anchor Inn featured a menu primarily focused on American cuisine. The entrees, typically priced between $12 and $20, included a variety of options such as pasta, seafood, and steaks, according to an archived dining website.
Owner, Harry “Selby” Scaggs Jr., attributed poor business to MoCo’s smoking ban in restaurants and decided to sell the restaurant in 2004 (after 50 years of business). Anchor Inn closed permanently in 2004. The property was acquired by Greenhill Capital Corp. and its CEO, developer Lenny Greenberg, who already owned a significant portion of the block where the Anchor Inn was located. The building was leased to Anthony Fahey, who reopened the Anchor Inn on January 19, 2005; however, it had to close once more after just a few months.
Ultimately, the Anchor Inn building was demolished on May 8, 2006 to make way for a residential and retail mixed-use development. Currently, the Anchor Inn sign is the last remnant of the legendary restaurant.