Anchors Away, a Cajun seafood restaurant located in an iconic building in downtown Springfield, has closed.

Sandra Cabbell and Jeff Moore opened Anchors Away in May 2018 in the historic Hickox building at 518 E. Capitol Ave. that previously housed various incarnations of Norb Andy’s Tabarin, dating back to 1937.

Moore previously operated an Anchors Away restaurant in Peoria for about a year before closing it in 2017 after having issues obtaining a liquor license. He told SBJ at the time that since his wife worked for the state of Illinois and the couple had family here, Springfield was a logical location for their next venture.

Reached by phone Feb. 14, Moore told SBJ that a final decision had not yet been made regarding the closure of Anchors Away. However, a post on the company’s Facebook page later that evening read in part: “After a long and hard decision, we have decided to close our doors. …unfortunately, the shortage of staff has taken its toll, keeping us from the simple things such as going to our grandchildren (sic) ball game.”

Staffing shortages were also cited as the reason for the closure of Rumberger’s Lounge, a gourmet wings restaurant that the couple opened at 217 S. Fifth St. in spring 2021 and operated for less than a year. However, the original Rumberger’s in Peoria remains open.

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