Anchor Inn owners revamp 1888 hotel into modern facility
Never be satisfied with the status quo, Manitoulin entrepreneurs say
by Margo Little
In an economic climate that sees many ventures fail within three years, people in the hospitality industry must remain inventive and creative in order to survive. That's the guiding philosophy of two Manitoulin entrepreneurs.
Kelly and Bruce O'Hare purchased the venerable Anchor Inn in Little Current eleven years ago and set about transforming the 1888 institution into a welcoming and lively bar and grill.
An advertisement in a 1912 Manitoulin newspaper, dubbed the Mansion House, as it was known then, as "one of the best hotels in this northern country." Favorably situated at the corner of Water and Worthington Streets, the three storey brick building "commands a pleasing view of the famous channel and Goat Island and the high hills on the north shore furnish a background for a beautiful picture."
Tourists still come for the magical island summers, but business people like the O'Hares are trying to build the shoulder season traffic as well.
When the O'Hares first contemplated buying the building, it was admittedly in need of an overhaul. "For many years it did not have a spotless reputation," according to Kelly O'Hare. "In the past it had been a rough and tumble place. But when we saw all the boats arriving and all the people downtown, we knew the Anchor Inn had good potential."
Since her parents had been in the hotel business in Massey, she was no novice to the challenges of the business. She brought the creativity of an honours English and sociology degree plus experience with the Casey's chain of restaurants to the upgrading task.
The menu was the first target. "We identified the dining room as a growth area," she said. "We found our niche when we determined that people wanted products that were distinctive to the island."
Manitoulin whitefish, rainbow trout, island lamb and local maple syrup are popular with visitors and residents alike, she noted. "In addition, we cut all of our own steaks. We often get yellow and green beans from a local farmer so our customers really appreciate that."
"Manitoulin will always be unique, laid back and friendly," she said. "We are committed to keeping it unique."
The key to standing out from the crowd is to implement two great ideas every year, her husband, Bruce added. He too grew up in the hospitality sector and has extensive experience in marketing.
"When we travel, we look for successful things that have worked for people in other areas," he said. "Also we try to listen to our customers and staff and try to incorporate new ideas. It is important to react to demand and never rest with the status quo."
This adventuresome approach has paid off. "We do our own on site vinting," he said. "We produce and sell over 1500 bottles of our own house wine each year. No one else on the island does that so it is a way to remain distinct from our competitors. We also trained our staff to be knowledgeable about wine."
Bar choices were also expanded from one type of draft on tap to eight selections. And an outdoor patio has become the place to congegate in Little Current. "The patio allows us to increase our volume and to hire more staff," he said. "It makes it much more lively and animated downtown."
The Mansion House of yore has evolved into a modern facility with live streaming patio and port web cams, full scale catering services, souvenir clothing, sixteen renovated rooms and a newly constructed conference room.
Approximately fifty employees are hired for peak season.
The Anchor Inn remains a beehive of activity during the annual Haweater festival and the Manitoulin to Mackinac Yacht Race, he pointed out. And with an $11.7 million waterfront development program in the works for Little Current, he expects the Anchor Inn to remain a pivotal point in the life of the community.
"It's fun and it's challenging," he said. "There's a lot of opportunity here and we are looking forward to the next ten years."
Bruce (left) and Kelly O'Hare, proprietors of the Anchor Inn Bar and Grill, have transformed the historic 1888 hotel into a modern multi-service facility. The O'Hares believe in trying new concepts each year to make their business unique. They are working to increase shoulder season tourism on Manitoulin Island.
photo by Margo Little