Most Businesses Suffer from Unseasonable Storm; Select Few Thrive

In the same way that a bad economy can present a positive climate for some industries (financial planning, bankruptcy law...psycho-pharmaceuticals?), last week's storm was detrimental to most local business owners—and hugely beneficial for a few.

"We had phones ringing off the hook," said Rich Friedman, General Manager of the "People literally offered to pay double if we kicked [current guests] out of their rooms."

Friedman said the hotel had been booked solid since Saturday—and that 50 to 65 percent of people staying there were locals who had lost power.

"Luckily we didn't lose power this time," he said. "I think most people came because they didn't have heat and it was cold."

For other businesses—like coffee shops—a weekend storm is bad news.

Kus Beham, a member of the family that owns in Hastings, had to close shop early on Sunday—after a slow day on Saturday due to the heavy snow.

"Sunday's usually a busy day," Beham said. "But when we lost power in the morning, we had to close."

Beham also bemoaned the fact that many of the shop's fresh dairy products had to be thrown out after hours without refrigeration.

"We hadn't planned for the loss; it was totally unexpected," Beham said.

As for the Doubletree—

"We got lucky that we didn't get hit this time and kept our power," Friedman said. "You just never know."

Own a local business? How did you fare during and after Saturday's storm? Tell us in the comments section.