A surgical circular fastener apparatus includes an elongated body defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends, a fastener cartridge disposed adjacent the distal end of the body, an anvil retainer releasably mounted relative to the fastener cartridge; and a manually operably release configured to move between a first position corresponding to a secured condition of the anvil retainer relative to the fastener cartridge and a second position corresponding to a release condition of the anvil retainer relative to the fastener cartridge.