The COVID-19 pandemic closed a lot of Greek restaurants across the United States when they were either locked down or left with only curbside or delivery service, but the Blue Colony Diner in Newtown, Connecticut wasn't one of them.

The Marnelakis family has been operating the eatery since 1973 and after owner Eddy passed away in 2016, his son, George Marnelakis, and his family – wife Michelle, son Eftihios and his wife, Eleni, son Mihali and daughter Xristina – continue to carry on the tradition, the Newton Bee reported.

Having never closed the beloved diner – even temporarily – in its more than 45 years of business, the staff quickly adjusted to COVID-19 guidelines, including offering outdoor dining.

George remembers fondly how individuals and organizations, including the local Boy Scouts, bought gift cards and offered words of encouragement about how much they appreciate the Blue Colony Diner.

“I want to thank all the people of Newtown and beyond for supporting us during COVID,” George said, grateful customers kept coming in enough numbers to let the diner survive, and able to offer indoor dining with a side of gratitude.