Businesses Of The Year: Cortlandt and Peekskill

PEEKSKILL, NY — It's been a roller-coaster year for Hudson Valley businesses. 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've received hundreds of responses!

Here are the nominations Patch has received in Cortlandt and Peekskill:

Cortlandt Colonial Restaurant. Nominators praised the restaurant for its response to the pandemic, including a daily limited take-out menu and lower prices. Customer Eileen Wolfert said "with their in-place policies, great food and creative thinking, they have managed to entice old and new customers. Genius!" Friend Gail Fenty added that owner Evan Liaskos took care of first responders by donating food.

Chop Shop. Owner Malcom Win not only does hair cuts and styling but is very active in the community with outreach, helping bridge the divide of social injustice, said a friend, who cited recent events like fix-a-bike and food fundraiser in Dunbar Heights.

Coles Market. "Coles Market here in Montrose has been in this community for 100+ yrs. Even before these covid times the Montrose area has been served with pride and dedication from the Cole Family and staff. Coles market has the reputation of serving the best quality meats and seafood. One of the biggest assets of the business is the fact that they are family and treat you like family. Generations have shopped here. With restrictions in place staff members even bring orders out to your car after you have called the order in. This has helped our senior members of the community to continue to shop and get what they need," said Joseph Carroll.

New York Firehouse Grill. "Great service, friendly atmosphere, outstanding food, like a home away from home," said a customer.

Sansotta Brothers. "An amazing family-run business," said Annette Vaccaro. "One of the first to embrace COVID restrictions and still supply the community with a safe place to purchase delicious and safely prepared foods. Professional, friendly and always customer-centered."

Inn on the Hudson. A staffer extolled his co-workers as caring, honest and hard-working.

Peekskill Coffee House. "Their coffee is the best. The staff always remembers regular customers and it is the epitome of Peekskill diversity every time you walk in," said Vincent Wallace.

Manzer's Landscape Design & Dev't Inc. Even before the pandemic, owner Chapman Manzer contributed his time and resources for those in need, whether a hungry family, a school looking for a donation for an upcoming event or the various fundraising campaigns he has developed, said a staffer.

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