Anna’s Restaurant, located at 491 Broadway in Newburgh, welcomed back its customers on Monday, November 22 after a brief shutdown. The shutdown of the restaurant resulted from an employee who works in the kitchen area of the restaurant, who tested positive for the virus on Monday, November 15, thus prompting the closure. The employee who tested positive did not come to work and is at home recovering, according to owner Pete Papageorgantis.

On Tuesday, November 16, Anna’s Restaurant was forced to close due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

“I’m noticing a lot of restaurants are making announcements,” Papageorgantis said. “It seems like there’s an uptick.”

Papageorgantis has noticed the uptick in COVID cases in the Hudson Valley, mainly within his own restaurant.

“Anna that works here also tested positive. She’s the owner, but she’s been home since Monday also,” Papageorgantis said. “It’s been rough.” Papageorgantis also said that one of the restaurant’s long-time waitresses has been out for several weeks and unfortunately caught COVID while on leave.

Papageorgantis is Anna’s son and is running the day to day operations of the restaurant as she recovers. According to their website, the history of Anna’s is that it first opened its doors in 1985 and has become a Newburgh staple since the days it was a donut shop. The shop operated out of the Mid Valley Mall until the property was sold to a supermarket. Anna’s still remains at 491 Broadway.

Papageorgantis said he feels fine for now and most of the employees during that day all appeared fine and healthy. Overall, he is thankful for the support of the customers and hopes everyone stays safe.