Snow Leads to Increased Business For Local Restaurants

Many restaurants that stayed open during the snowstorm are experiencing an increase in business.

On Sunday morning, lines were outside the doors of the New York Pickle Deli and onto the sidewalk. The restaurant has been busy from open to close.

"We have been slammed since the storm," said one employee at the restaurant.

Mitchell's was finally able to open Wednesday afternoon after being without power for three and a half days.

"It has been very chaotic," said Roy Merluzzo, owner of Mitchell's.

Merluzzo said he was one of the lucky ones to get power back as soon as he did. He even had his two sons hold signs outside of his restaurant letting people know that he was open. In the end, Merluzzo is "thankful" to be working again.

"We are ready to serve the community as we always have."

Doug Kuzoian, owner of Steve's Place in Rocky Hill and Newington, was preparing to take all of his food to a friend's walk-in refrigerator on Monday when the power turned on. 

"We opened up as soon as we could. Business has been unbelievable. And we don't shut the doors until I am out of food."

Kuzoian said his business has doubled since the storm. He added that owning a small business is very frail and there is not much wiggle room for unexpected days off.

"If it wasn't for this one (Steve's Place in Rocky Hill), it would be fragile," Kuzoian said. His Newington store was still without power as of late Wednesday afternoon.

Mangia Bene never lost power during the snowstorm and business has been "slow, but steady" since. The business has not extended hours of operation, but is offering to heat food for patrons.

The business has also seen an increase in corporate catering because businesses are treating their employees to lunch, owner Wendy Doyle said.