New Haven, Conn. — Yale University Properties has signed a lease agreement with Karl Franz Williams for the former Anchor space at 272 College Street in New Haven. The new establishment, which will maintain the name The Anchor, will also preserve the façade of the building. Yale University Properties worked closely with the City and members of the community to find a new tenant who would bring a fresh presentation while maintaining the history and architecture of the former Anchor.
Karl Franz Williams currently operates a successful business in Harlem known as 67 Orange Street. 67 Orange Street, which opened in December of 2008 to critical acclaim, is a classic cocktail bar that takes its name from the address of one of the first successful black-owned bars in New York City circa 1847. 67 Orange Street today boasts excellent ratings in every category by Zagat, and has received strong reviews from New York Magazine, the New Yorker, the New York Post, and The New York Times. A graduate of Yale University, Williams has designed cocktails for the Yale Club of NY, D’USSE Cognac, and many other commercial and non-commercial clients.
“We are thrilled to be part of the New Haven community and part of the Yale University Properties’ portfolio,” said Williams. “We look forward to paying tribute to the great history of this nostalgic location while bringing a new world vibe to the food and beverage presentation. As a Yale graduate, it is extremely exciting for me to re-invigorate this concept for New Haven. I look forward to becoming a part of the diverse cultural fabric that makes New Haven great.”
Yale University Properties worked diligently to find a strong operator for the location, which is held in sentimental regard by so many in the community. Charlie Moore, original owner of the Anchor commented that he is “delighted that the legacy of the Anchor will continue to be a part of the award winning New Haven restaurant scene.” Although Williams and Yale worked diligently to secure and retain the existing Anchor sign, the Moore family, who owns the sign, will keep it in their family.
“We wanted to be sensitive to the history of the Anchor, while inviting a new and exciting concept for the space,” said Lauren Zucker, Yale University Associate Vice President for New Haven Affairs and University Properties. “As promised, we were committed to identifying an operator who would meet the needs of our community and we are delighted to welcome the new Anchor to New Haven.”
The Anchor
The Anchor, in this new campus-community concept by Karl Franz Williams, will offer simple yet classic menu items including healthy salads, small plates, and sandwiches along with a unique mixology concept. The Anchor will be open seven days per week.
Yale University Properties
Yale University Properties’ mission is to enhance the quality of life in New Haven by providing a unique merchandising mix of restaurants and shops. Through Yale’s community investment program, the University contributes to the vibrancy of downtown New Haven by creating jobs and is one of the city’s top taxpayers. For more information about Yale University Properties, please visit onhsa.yale.edu/up/home
