Businesses Of The Year: Nyack's Best

NYACK, NY — It's been a roller-coaster year for businesses in Rockland County. The coronavirus pandemic presented enormous challenges for most, from the stay-home orders in the spring to restrictions and other hurdles from fall into winter.

To recognize all their efforts, we asked readers to nominate Local Businesses of the Year, whether it was the restaurant that made special accommodations for takeout, the shop that opened early, the pizzeria that went out of its way to deliver, the hardware store owner that offered invaluable advice or something else.

We received many responses. Here are the nominations Patch has received in for Nyack and Piermont:

• Didier Dumas, Nyack. "This food shop stayed open to the public and was totally gracious to people’s needs," said nominator Jacqui Drechsler.
• Christine Cordey Salon, Nyack. "Christine is focused on helping the community. She is an amazing person who makes a difference," said customer Suzanne Barrett.
• The Quilt Tree, Nyack, received lots of nominations. "The Quilt Tree has been an outstanding resource during this pandemic. They have been making masks to insure essential workers were provided with masks as well as anyone who was in need," said customer Fran Gray.
• Turriello's Pizza, Nyack. "Nino, his sons and staff are all wonderful people.They're friendly the food is delicious, they give when their customers don't have, (this I know from personal experience) feed our homeless and less fortunate," said Patricia. "They've been awesome throughout the pandemic."
• Olsen Automotive, Nyack, received several nominations. "Highest quality work, most thoughtful staff," said Christine Ramirez.
• DVIne Pie, Piermont. This nomination made us nostalgic for the days before the pandemic. "Spectacular Southern Soul Food and BBQ, great service and the best Whiskey, Tequila and Mezcal list in the Hudson Valley. And if that isn't enough, the atmosphere and ambience make it far the coolest restaurant outside of NYC," said Gabriella Winter.
• Cornetta's Seafood Restaurant, Piermont. "Great staff, very friendly and efficient, delicious food, pleasant surroundings," said the nominator.
• Boxer Donut & Espresso Bar, Nyack. One of his employees told Patch, "The owner of Boxer Donut, Eric Brown, is the kindest human I have ever met. Even before the pandemic began, he went above and beyond for his customers, staff, and community. He bought a food truck and it was ready to roll right around March, which was quickly shut down. Instead, he parked the truck outside of Nyack Hospital one morning and gave out donuts and coffee to essential workers."

You can nominate any local business you feel should be recognized.