Peggy’s Restaurant, one of Anchorage’s most enduring and beloved hangouts, closed its doors on Christmas Eve and the owners don’t know when or if they will be able to reopen.
The owners posted a Facebook notice on Christmas Eve saying, “It is with a heavy heart that we make the following announcement: Effective December 25th we are closed until further notice. For the first time since 1988 we will be closed for Holidays.”
Like most restaurants across Anchorage, Peggy’s has been hit hard by the COVID-19 mandates that have closed Anchorage eateries off and on for much of the past year. On Dec. 22, the Anchorage Assembly refused to lift Acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson’s emergency order that bans all indoor dining.
“Reopening is uncertain for us at this point due to the current COVID-19 MOA mandates and restrictions,” the restaurant Facebook page stated.
Founded in 1944, amid World War II, the original owner was retired schoolteacher Peggy Lott (1903-2006). Over the past seven decades old friends, military veterans, mayors, governors and countless others have slid into Peggy’s classic diner booths for a slice of homemade pie and hot coffee. The eatery still uses the late Peggy Lotts original pie recipes.
ALASKA WATCHMAN DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX
“Pie seems to help with hard decisions,” the owners noted on Dec. 24. “Remember us in your prayers this holiday season as you all will be in ours … Stay Strong Alaska.”
Located on 5th Avenue across from Merrill Field Airport, Peggy’s has served breakfast all day for 66 plus years. In 1988, Peggy’s waitress Nancy Burley fulfilled her dream and took over the restaurant. Knowing not to mess with success, she kept the it largely unchanged. The menu still offers diner classics, the decor is old school, breakfast is served all day, and of course, the coffee is bottomless.
The restaurant has supported three generations of employees, some of which have worked there for more than 15 years.
Peggy’s was originally located in the Merrill Field Airport where it catered to Alaska bush pilots. Fiercely loyal customers would travel miles out of their way just to get a slice of Peggy’s famous pie. Since 1954, the restaurant has been located in its current spot on 5th Avenue.
