Bryan-College Station, October 17, 2025
News Summary
The recent closure of Anchor Bar on Harvey Road underscores ongoing challenges in the restaurant industry in Bryan-College Station. This trend follows the shutdown of several other notable establishments in the area due to rising operational costs and an unstable economic environment. Many employees are now facing financial hardships as they seek new job opportunities amidst these closures. The community is responding with a resilience as neighboring restaurants actively hire displaced workers. This situation reflects the broader difficulties faced by the local dining scene as it adapts to changing market conditions.
Bryan-College Station has seen another restaurant closure with the sudden shutdown of Anchor Bar on Harvey Road. This move follows numerous other recent closures in the area, including iconic establishments such as Casa Rodriguez in Downtown Bryan, Starbucks and Voodoo Brewing at Northgate, Nick the Greek, and Capriotti’s on University Drive. The Anchor Bar closure highlights ongoing challenges faced by the restaurant industry, driven largely by rising operational costs and an uncertain economic landscape.
Employees of Anchor Bar, many of whom considered the establishment their second home, reported that the closing came as a shock. Madison Thompson, a Texas A&M student and supervisor at Anchor Bar, expressed that the sudden decision has left employees vulnerable, with many now struggling to meet immediate financial obligations like rent and tuition. The unexpected nature of the closure has raised concerns among staff about the lack of adequate warning and support, as they believe that more notice could have allowed them to seek new job opportunities or secure financial assistance from the owner.
The restaurant industry’s challenges are compounded by rising expenses. Food prices have surged approximately 36% since the onset of the pandemic, while labor costs have grown by 30 to 35%. Credit card processing fees have simultaneously increased by 50%, placing additional strain on business operations. Despite this, Texas reportedly remains one of the strongest markets for the restaurant sector in the United States, with Bryan-College Station’s unemployment rate holding steady at 3.5% and overall employment in the area growing by 3.6% over the past year.
As workers from Anchor Bar transition into a challenging job market, neighboring establishments, including Red’s Ice House, Joe’s Place in Wixon Valley, and Longhorn Steakhouse, are actively hiring to accommodate displaced workers. The local community has shown its resilience, with some former Anchor Bar employees finding new job opportunities through social media platforms.
The closure of Anchor Bar adds to a disturbing trend in the Bryan-College Station area, which has recently witnessed a spate of restaurant closures. Notable establishments including Hooter’s in Bryan and Imperial Chinese & Sushi, which had operated for a decade, have shut down. Mo’s Irish Pub & Grill has condensed its presence to five locations, and Casa Olé has narrowed its footprint by closing the Post Oak Mall location, leaving only its Bryan establishment operational. Additional closures in the region include Amico Nave, World of Beer, Mad Taco, Ozona Bar and Grill, and Mr. Hamburger.
Amidst this climate of restaurant closures, new establishments are attempting to fill the void. A new Shipwreck Grill location is planned to replace Amico Nave on Villa Maria Road, owned by Wade and Mary Beckman, presenting a glimmer of hope in a difficult economic environment for local dining establishments.
Recent Restaurant Closures
- Anchor Bar on Harvey Road
- Casa Rodriguez in Downtown Bryan
- Starbucks at Northgate
- Voodoo Brewing at Northgate
- Nick the Greek
- Capriottis on University Drive
- Hooter’s in Bryan
- Imperial Chinese & Sushi (closed after 10 years)
- Mo’s Irish Pub & Grill (reduced to five locations)
- Casa Olé at Post Oak Mall (now only in Bryan)
- Amico Nave, World of Beer, Mad Taco, Ozona Bar and Grill, and Mr. Hamburger
Challenges Facing the Restaurant Industry
- Food prices have risen 36% since the pandemic.
- Labor costs have increased by 30-35%.
- Credit card processing fees have gone up by 50%.
Employment Statistics
- Unemployment rate in Bryan-College Station: 3.5%
- Employment growth in the area: 3.6% over the past year.
New Opportunities
- Restaurants hiring displaced workers: Red’s Ice House, Joe’s Place, Longhorn Steakhouse.
- Community supports workers through social media job postings.
- New Shipwreck Grill planned on Villa Maria Road to replace Amico Nave.
Conclusion
The closure of Anchor Bar serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles within the restaurant industry, as costs continue to rise and multiple establishments shut down in Bryan-College Station. While the community comes together to support displaced workers, the local dining scene faces significant challenges ahead.
FAQ
- What led to the closure of Anchor Bar? Rising operational costs, including food and labor prices, along with other industry challenges, forced the closure.
- How many restaurants have recently closed in Bryan-College Station? Several, including Anchor Bar, Casa Rodriguez, Hooter’s, and others.
- What are the current employment statistics in Bryan-College Station? The area has an unemployment rate of 3.5% and has seen a 3.6% increase in employment over the past year.
- Are other restaurants hiring displaced workers from Anchor Bar? Yes, restaurants like Red’s Ice House and Longhorn Steakhouse are actively seeking to hire individuals impacted by the closure.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure | Anchor Bar on Harvey Road |
| Recent Closures | Casa Rodriguez, Hooter’s, Starbucks, Voodoo Brewing |
| Employee Impact | Financial difficulties for workers, many facing rent and tuition issues |
| Industry Challenges | Rising food costs up 36%, labor costs 30-35% |
| Employment Stats | Unemployment steady at 3.5%, employment growth at 3.6% |
| New Opportunities | Nearby restaurants hiring displaced workers |
| Community Support | Social media job postings aiding displaced workers |
| Future Developments | New Shipwreck Grill location planned |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KBTX News
- Google Search: Bryan-College Station restaurant closures
- KBTX News: Bryan Restaurant Closing
- Wikipedia: Bryan–College Station
- The Eagle: Business News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant Industry
- Star-Telegram: Entertainment
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Closure Impacts
- KAGS TV: Dining News
- Google News: Bryan-College Station Economic Impact
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
