Syracuse. N.Y. — The Mission, a Mexican/Latin American restaurant in downtown Syracuse near Columbus Circle, has closed indefinitely after learning a worker may have been exposed to the coronavirus.
In a Facebook post, owner Steve Morrison said the employee “did NOT come into direct contact with any of our guests.” Morrison also indicated the Onondaga County Health Department advised that he was not obligated to close.
But Morrison decided to shut down anyway as a precaution.
“We have consulted with the Onondaga County Health Department and in accordance with their regulations, we are able to continue our operations at this time,” Morrison wrote in his post. “However, we feel that until the results from the test come back, we must take the proper precautions to avoid the potential for further exposure to our staff and of course you, our treasured guests, by closing until further notice.
“We will keep you updated and hope to reopen very soon, once we are assured it is safe to do so,” he continued. “Thank you for your understanding and support during these difficult times. – Steve”
Earlier this year, Morrison announced he had been attempting sell the restaurant at 304 E. Onondaga St. It is located in an historic 19th century church. Morrison decided to keep the restaurant operating until he found a buyer.
The Mission serves what Morrison calls a Pan-American menu, with dishes from Mexico and other parts of Latin America mixed with flavors of the American southwest. It opened in 2000.
It remains on the market, Morrison said today. “I’m still open to any offers,” he said.
Related: Latest update on Onondaga County coronavirus cases
Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at [email protected], or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.
