HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One of Hutchinson’s most legendary restaurateurs, Antonio “Tony” Flores Jr., passed away this week.
Flores purchased the Anchor Inn on Sept. 10, 1976 and made it one of Hutchinson’s destination eating places.
Flores, 87, passed away Tuesday and his son Greg noted his father never missed a day of work until the very end.
Flores made many contributions to the community, including being a cofounder of the Cinco De Mayo Charitable Trust, a member of the Community Improvement Commission, serving as a member of the Hutchinson Community Foundation, being a cofounder of the Old Towne Merchants Association, a past president of the American G I Forum and a member of the board of directors of the Bank of Kansas. He was also a recipient of various business awards, including Buena Gente “El Patron” Community Service, Sam Walton Business Leader, the Greater Hutchinson Convention and Visitors Bureau Tourism Award as business of the year and a special recognition at the Kansas State Capital. Above all else, Flores made sure his family always came first.
Greg Flores told KSN Antonio’s life was about helping people, never turning anyone away. During his 48 years in the restaurant business, Antonio grew the Anchor Inn and later started a delivery and catering business and drive-thru establishment Anchor Away.
Another member of the extended Flores family also operates another Hutchinson restaurant.
Flores instilled in his family the values of faith, unconditional love, and a strong work ethic. He and his wife of 64 years, Rachel were faithful members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Hutchinson.
The Parish Rosary will be at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in South Hutchinson Sunday, April 27 at 5 p.m.
Mass will be held at Church of the Holy Cross Monday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m. with Burial to follow at Fairlawn Burial Park.
For more information visit www.adastraradio.com/obituaries/antonio-tony-flores-jr
