Andrew Anchor, 20, has been working at his family’s restaurant, which has been running since 1979. After his father passed away from cancer last year, Andrew — who has Down syndrome — proudly stepped in to honor his father’s legacy and keep the business thriving.
“I like working in the front like my daddy used to. He knew everyone’s names, and now I do too,” Andrew told Today. Beloved by both customers and staff, he quickly became an important part of the restaurant’s success.
That’s why it stunned everyone when an anonymous complaint was filed with the local health department, claiming there was an “unauthorized person” in the kitchen. The person they were referring to was Andrew.
The report left the family heartbroken — but Andrew’s older brother, Alex, wasn’t about to stay silent. He took to Facebook to defend his brother, sharing a heartfelt post that struck a chord online. The message exploded with support, gaining more than 70,000 likes and 20,000 shares which you can read below:
“Ever since my dad passed away, my little bro has been working day in and day out at Ankar’s Hoagies to ensure that my father’s legacy keeps going strong. From greeting customers to cleaning the dining room to working the grill, Andrew works tirelessly to make sure our business is a success—and he does it all with a smile on his face.
When I learned that someone had the audacity to file a report with the local health inspector over an adult with Down syndrome being in the kitchen of a restaurant that he is not just employed at, but that he owns, I was floored.”
“It makes my blood boil that there are people in this world who don’t have an ounce of kindness in their heart to appreciate what an amazing person he is. The fact that there are people out there in this world that view people with disabilities as sub-human disgusts me.
Sometimes I sit back and marvel at Andrew’s ability to love everyone… even people who aren’t deserving of his kindness. He knows no hate. If the people out there who constantly ridicule people with disabilities had even half of Andrew’s capability to love EVERYONE, this world would be a better place.
I challenge every single person who reads this to take a minute to put all differences aside. Whether it’s ability, race, sexual orientation, religion, whatever—try to put your differences aside and love one another. Trust me, the world would be a much better place if everyone had Andrew’s ability.”
“He’s not the disabled one, we are.
Love you, kid.”
When inspectors finally arrived, they found nothing wrong at all and left without taking action. Andrew continues to work at the restaurant — and thanks to the outpouring of love from his community, he’s more celebrated than ever.
