Businesses Of The Year: Putnam County

BREWSTER, 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 Putnam County:

The Feed Barn. "They are incredibly nice, well stocked, amazing prices, family business - that puts in extra hours on their store and products," said customer Thomas Powell.

Kobackers. Several nominators praised the store. "They have been a lifesaver during these difficult months, and I have shopped there since the early 70's when I moved here. I am 88 now and I can't imagine not having them as a neighbor," said one customer. "They are friendly, helpful and a big supporter of families and youth programs in the community," said another. "This is a small town market that has always catered to their customers but in these days of Covid, they have gone above and beyond," said a third. "In the early days of the pandemic, they managed to allay our fears by managing to procure just about every item that the larger chains did not even have. They managed to get different brands, different sizes and then fairly attached quantity limits to more highly sought after items, to make sure that there would be enough for all."

Mezza Luna. Two customers nominated the restaurant. It provided takeout food free for senior citizens during the height of the coronavirus outbreak, said nominator Robert Rottkamp. "They really took care of the Brewster community during this difficult time. Mezza Luna's staff showed kindness and compassion to all while serving up delicious meals and generous portions. They have definitely gained many customers for life!" said customer Michael Dillon.

Vera’s Marketplace and Garden Center. "Family-run store," customer Mary Dagnino pointed out. "They are wonderfully friendly and always ready to help. During the spring Covid-19 shut down they were open and helping the community. They took phone orders and had them ready for the community. The produce is delicious, fresh and the display makes you want to buy. The Apple cider donuts are out of this world. I can’t say enough about this family and business."

The Country Goose. "Leonora Burton was unflappable in providing good cheer and essential comfort foods from the beginning of the outbreak. She is a mainstay on Main Street!" said customer Holly Mentzer.

Palmer Hardware. "Always friendly, always helpful. Great selection of merchandise. If they don’t have it in stock, they’ll get it for you in a day or two. Even if you're not buying, they’ll answer questions about your project," said customer Christine McDowell.

DeCicco's. "They were the first grocery store in this area to take significant precautions for covid prevention to shoppers and employees by installing plexiglass barriers, offering early shopping hours for seniors and at-risk customers, sanitizing shopping carts and inside the store, limited the number of shoppers in at a time and closed down their famous buffet area. I believe they also offered curbside pickup of orders. In addition, they have an amazing bakery, and a large selection of hard to find items. My family is vegan and my daughter has a peanut allergy and they carry many products/brands that we can actually eat but can't find in a typical grocery store," said one of several nominators.

Froggy’s Deli. The food is fresh and delicious, said a nominator.

Aversanos’s. "Another local business that stayed open during the pandemic so we could still enjoy our favorite restaurant AND keep our local businesses and employees working!" said customer Alisa Ferrara.

Value Village. "Value Village has been open during the entire pandemic and always made sure essential supplies were on hand...soap, sanitizer, paper towels...Thank you Value Village!" Ferrara said.

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