Monday was a big day for a Fairfield diner. After 13 months of being closed because of the pandemic, the Southport Diner is cooking up meals for its customers once again.

Tony Pertesis grew up working at his dad's diner in Fairfield. After years of perfecting his craft, he now owns his own diner across town in Southport.

After a year of being open, COVID-19 hit. While many diners across the state reopened their doors last summer, Pertesis kept his shut. He replaced his AC system, with COVID filters, added a new roof, and made the place safer.