COVID Shutters Mel's,

Hawkeye Into New Year

COOPERSTOWN – With Heidi Bond, Otsego County Public Health Director, citing "at least one case"  of COVID-19 each among staff members at Mel's at 22 and the Hawkeye Grill at The Otesaga, both restaurants have temporarily shut their doors to diners.

"Until recently, we have been very fortunate that our Mel’s at 22 community has not been affected by COVID 19," wrote Brian Wrubleski, owner of Mel's, in a Facebook posting on Christmas Eve. "Last week one of our servers tested positive. In accordance with the best practices from the department of health, we have decided to remain closed until the new year. This will give us time to make sure that all of our team members are safe and healthy before returning to serving you."