The Anchor Fish & Chips in 2026: from Northeast Debut to Fish Fry Legend
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
The Twin Cities restaurant market has faced severe headwinds over the past decade. Skyrocketing commercial rents, rising wholesale protein costs, and drastic shifts in post-pandemic hospitality labor forced dozens of legacy establishments to shutter.
The Anchor adapted without compromising its culinary identity. While wholesale cod prices saw steep increases between 2021 and 2024, the kitchen resisted the urge to swap in cheaper pollock or tilapia. Price adjustments were made transparently, and portions remained generous.
Operational efficiency improved through targeted takeout infrastructure. The restaurant streamlined phone-in and app-based orders, sparing the compact dining room from overcrowding while keeping kitchen output steady. During the peak Lenten rush, when the Star Tribune and local neighborhood journals like Southwest Voices publish guides tracking the city’s top fry spots, The Anchor consistently functions at maximum frying capacity without letting hold times compromise crispness.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
