A view from the top
Most people raised in the Bristow area grew familiar with the Anchor regardless of whether it was Anchor Drive-In, Benji’s Anchor Burger, or simply The Anchor. Steeped in local history and long beloved for its food and owners, patrons expressed sadness with each closing. Now, its new owners excitedly announce they will soon open Anchor 66, and they will open it as a veteran-owned eatery.
Being raised in Milfay, Adam Schiller ate at Anchor as a child. In fact, like many locals, eating at Anchor proved generational for Adam and his family as both his father and grandfather also ate at Anchor as their younger selves. The nostalgia drew him back to Bristow from Fort Smith, Arkansas, in September of last year to pursue its purchase, but it was not the only draw. Adam is also a chef.
Watching Gordon Ramsay on “Hell’s Kitchen” during high school ignited a passion for the culinary arts in young Adam. He noted that the terrorist events of 9/11 during that time greatly affected him, so he found his passion, expecting simply to attend culinary school, become a chef, and hope to one day own his own restaurant. Little did he know at the time that not only would he live out his dream but also honorably be drawn into serving his country as well.
Having completed about half of his degree in the culinary arts, Adam’s friends convinced him to follow them into joining the Air National Guard F16 unit of the 138th Fighter Wing based in Tulsa. At the time, the military also helped him complete his degree. He served from 2008 to 2014, exiting service as a staff sergeant.
After leaving the service and completing his culinary education, training specifically in high-end French cuisine, he served as chef in a few different reputable restaurants, recently at Rowan’s Restaurant in Stilwell, where he met his spouse, Danielle Sparks. Together, they have two children aged nine and seven years of age.
Last year, Adam’s aunt shared the post of the Anchor for sale. He took it to heart due to both the nostalgia and his dream of owning his own restaurant. Now, his dream is coming to fruition. They plan on opening soon once staffing needs are met, so be sure to keep a watchful eye on An- chor 66 for activity. As for the food he plans to serve, he said that he will source as many local ingredients as possible and offer some Anchor favorites such as burgers, shakes, fried goodies, and other items commonly found on a diner-style menu; however, he noted that he will offer a “chef-inspired” menu to include some treats like corn ribs, salads, and perhaps even some vegetarian options with portabello mushrooms in the future as well. He even fixed the original Anchor ice cream freezer and plans to offer a variety of ice cream treats and desserts, especially the nearly impossible to find malts. Through his chefinspired, diner-style offerings, he plans to “bring the 50s to the 21st century”.
Asked why he and Danielle felt it important to label Anchor 66 as “veteran owned”, they each expressed the desire to spark conversation about the needs of veterans after they leave the service and transition back into civilian life. For Adam, he wants to bring awareness to veterans’ risks of homelessness and suicide in an effort to prevent needless suffering for our homegrown heroes.
Once Anchor 66 opens, patrons can stop in for a delicious meal during their planned hours of operation: Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Anchor 66 is located at 630 South Roland Street and may be reached by phone at 918-771-4414.
Finally, Adam wished to thank his parents for all of their support during his service, education, and now in supporting him as he experiences the opportunity to live out his dreams with his family.