Anthony's signs lease with Port

Present at the lease signing on Wednesday were Mayor Dean Maxwell, Council member Brian Geer, City Planning Director Ryan Larsen and members of the city staff, as well as Port Commissioners Pat Mooney and Bill Short.

Anthony's will build a new 14,700 square foot restaurant, facing the trailer boat launch and marina promenade and will develop the remainder of the property behind the restaurant, about 42,000 square feet, for parking.

Port Executive Director Bob Hyde said "Anthony's Restaurant is exactly what we werehoping for in an anchor tenant for the Boat Haven. It will bring the community and tourists by land and sea to Anacortes." He added that he's proud that Anthony's sees Anacortes as a place they want to be.

Mayor Dean Maxwell said "Anthony's will be a great addition to Anacortes, with their unique northwest dining experience. We are known for having a wonderful restaurant community."

But, not everyone here is happy. One local restaurateur was concerned that "there aren't enough restaurant staff people in town to support an additional restaurant of the size of Anthony's." He said either local restaurants will lose staff or wages will have to increase or both.