Small businesses discuss impacts of weather-related closures
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Many small businesses and local restaurants have been forced to close up shop for several days due to recent winter storms and the subsequent impacts to roadways.
For many of these local favorites, even a few days of unplanned closure can make a massive difference when it comes to managing financial bottom lines.
“A lot of restaurants have had to close and sales are down typically in January no matter what,” said Madison Ruckel, owner of Mama Jean’s Barbecue in Roanoke.
Mama Jean’s was forced to close on Wednesday as a result of the weather, but managed to get the doors open for limited hours over the weekend, even amid the second round of snowfall.
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“Being able to have days like this where we can support the community and be there and get people fed and get rid of product that we need to get rid of, it’s a win-win for everyone,” said Ruckel.
Scratch Biscuit Company in Roanoke’s Grandin neighborhood was in the same boat as Mama Jean’s, forced to close for several days over the past week due to road conditions.
Not only did they manage to get the lights on and doors open for Saturday’s brunch crowd, but they also offered free coffee and biscuits for anyone who has been out working on the roads.
“It’s cold and it’s hard work,” said Scratch Biscuit general manager Sophie Barker of the crews out treating the roads. “It’s very appreciated what people are out there doing for their communities. It’s not just city workers. It’s regular folks with some plows helping out their neighborhoods. And we like to pay it forward a little.”
Scratch Biscuit says it plans to be open again on Sunday for anyone who is able to safely make it out of their homes and over to the restaurant’s spot on Memorial Avenue.
“Weather permitting, we will be here as long as it’s safe for our customers, safe for our employees,” said Barker.
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