Look who’s back: Mermaid who monitored Douglas Avenue for years returns to duty
When news circulated last year that The Anchor building would be auctioned off, some wondered what would become of the iconic neon sign that had greeted customers to the restaurant for more than two decades.
Though the sign — which features a red mermaid perched atop an anchor — came down when the building’s new tenant, Johnny’s Tavern, started its remodel, those who have driven past 1109 E. Douglas recently may have noticed that the mermaid is back.
The winners of last summer’s auction — Bobbie Lane Real Estate Group owner Bobbie Lane, her husband, Jonathan Lane, and Parabolic Construction owner Adam Church — paid $1.9 million for The Anchor building plus the two buildings next to it and the buildings’ contents. The mermaid sign was part of the package.
The sign came down when the building got a new coat of paint. But nearly three weeks ago, the building’s new owners made good on a promise to return the mermaid to her watch. The sign is not where it used to be: A new neon sign for Johnny’s Tavern now hangs on the Douglas-facing side of the building where the mermaid was previously. Instead, the landlords reinstalled the mermaid on the west-facing side of the building, just over the parking lot.
Caroline Patton, the general manager for Wichita’s Johnny’s Tavern, said that the sign went up on a “crazy windy” Wednesday about three weeks ago. The staff watched nervously as workers attached it to the building.
Several customers have commented positively on the mermaid’s return, she said.
“It’s such a great sign, and The Anchor was so special to Wichita,” Patton said. “It’s great to keep some of the symbolism of it.”
The Anchor operated at 1104 E. Douglas in the space from 2004 until last April, when the state shut the business down for nonpayment of taxes. Lawrence-based Johnny’s Tavern opened there on Feb. 20, offering lots of televisions airing sporting events, a full bar and a menu of burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, salads and wings.
This story was originally published April 3, 2026 at 12:03 PM.
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