Anton’s Coffee Shop to close

SBJ file photo

Anton “Tony” Tasich died last month.

Springfield dining staple Anton’s Coffee Shop is closing following its owner’s death last month.

Rachel Peters, a cashier and hostess who’s been an employee at the restaurant for 14 years, said the last day of business is March 1. She said an auction for the interior items of the shop is scheduled March 13.

Peters is the daughter of Debbie Willoughby, who started working at the restaurant when she was 16 years old and now serves as its manager.

“I have actually been coming here since before I was born,” Peters said. “It’s really hard. It’s one of those things that it’s hard to envision never stepping foot in here.

“It’s been a second home for me.”

At 937 S. Glenstone Ave., Anton’s Coffee Shop is located between a Kum & Go convenience store and vehicle dealership Queen City Motors. The property is owned by One Hundred Two Glenstone Inc., according to the Greene County assessor.

C. Arch Bay Co. owner Terry Reynolds, who co-owns the real estate, said the future of the property is currently unknown. She said Roberta Tasich, the widow of the restaurant’s late owner, owns the building and One Hundred Two Glenstone owns the land.

“We’re trying to figure that out right now,” Reynolds said.

Anton’s Coffee Shop owner Anton “Tony” Tasich died Jan. 17 at age 88. He and Roberta started the diner in 1974, when the couple purchased McCormick’s Drive In, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

The Springfield News-Leader was first to report on the planned closure.