Essie’s Original Hot Dog Shop, known around Oakland as The O, has closed its doors for good, a longtime manager confirmed Sunday. Joanne Keys, an employee of 35 years, said the famed 60-year-old restaurant closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as unspecified “other things.” All of us at The Pitt News are heartbroken to see The O close its doors. The Oakland community will never be the same. #RIPtheO Photo by contributing editor Leah Mensch.