North End Businesses Take Hit In Snowy Weather
BOSTON (CBS) -- The back to back snowstorms have hit some businesses hard, taking away customers who can't find parking or don't like walking in the snow and cold.
Boston's North End neighborhood is feeling the pinch of the snow, with empty tables on a Friday night most restaurants don't usually see.
"We've had snowstorm after snowstorm, it doesn't help," said Darnell DiPietrantonio, manager of restaurant L'Osteria. It doesn't help fill the tables or the reservation book. Business is down because the walking neighborhood has more snowed in cars than walkers.
WBZ-TV's Beth Germano reports.
"It's just been really, really quiet," said Valerie White, who owns the boutique Bobbles and Lace.
When the restaurants aren't filling up, visitors aren't around to browse the shops.
White estimates business is down at least 20 percent, with fewer passersby out the window.
"We're just not seeing the business. Every week we're slammed with some kind of snow that's killing our business," said White.
Even the famous Mike's Pastry didn't have the usual line of customers on a Friday night, which is good for people who don't like waiting. Already limited parking is now almost nonexistent when cars aren't moving.
"It's hard to find a spot. I drove around for half an hour," said John Pezzuto, of the North End.
In the tight neighborhood they're doing what they usually don't have to do, lure people in.
"Hopefully Mother Nature will be a little nicer later in January or early February, and it will get a little warmer," said DiPietrantonio.
