One of Anchorage’s oldest and most beloved eateries is down but not out.

“We will not let this pandemic beats us!” Peggy’s Restaurant announced on its Facebook page on Sunday.

The 66-year old diner will be “ready to welcome the New Year with renewed motivation and determination on January 4th at 10 a.m.,” owner Nancy Burley announced. They’ll be open for both dine in and to-go orders.

On Christmas Eve, the 66-year-old Anchorage landmark closed its doors with the owners saying they did not know when or if they’d ever be able to reopen. That was in the final week of Acting Mayor Austin Quinn-Davidson’s citywide ban on all in-door dining during the month of December. The mandate imposed a crushing financial blow on local restaurants and bars, putting many on the ropes and forcing others to close for good.

But on Jan. 1, Quinn-Davidson allowed restaurants to reopen at 25% in-door capacity, citing a drop in daily COVID case counts. Peggy’s is now prepared to fight for the life of the famous diner. After opening at 10 a.m. on Jan. 4, the restaurant will resume its 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. regular hours starting Jan. 5.

“We will have a limited menu and seating due to current mandates,” the restaurant Facebook page states. “And yes, Peggy’s Pie’s will be available!”

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.

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.

Reopening wasn’t a forgone conclusion, and Peggy’s Facebook page notes that it is “only possible due to the sacrifices of our families, staff and support of our community.”

“Many of you asked how to support us with donations, we ask you make the donations towards our staff and their families,” it adds. “Thank you for your dedication and continued support Alaska!”

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