STATESBORO, Ga. (WSAV) — Icy conditions caused many businesses in Statesboro to close or adjust their hours, but local business owners said the community is already back out to support them.
"Everything is melting and getting messy, and we're ready to get back to normal," said Linda Edenfield, a Brooklet local dining at Dolan's Bar-B-Que.
Cabin fever brought locals out in full force just two days after the storm. Brown said the sight of familiar faces returning brought some much-needed positivity.
"The bank account looks better when we're busy, and we have customers, but just to see our repeat customers that are out and about and know that they're safe and that they made it through the winter storm and they're okay and ready to eat some barbecue—that always makes me feel great," Brown said.
Local business owners asked their employees to come in later and leave earlier to avoid driving on icy roads. Cool Beanz Espresso Bar owner David Hoyle, who walks to work, said he was able to stay open during the storm, but his business still took a hit.
"I know it impacted a lot of smaller businesses, a lot of local businesses, and so I know they're like, 'We're ready to get back to work,'" Hoyle said.
He said business had about a third of its usual volume during the storm. Hoyle hoped residents will try to support local establishments over chain businesses as everything starts to thaw out.
"Yes, it probably impacted [chain restaurants], but it didn't hurt them as much. For me, my employees’ tips—everybody is begging to work today, tomorrow, and Sunday to try and make up for the money they lost while we were closed," Hoyle said.
Locals expressed gratitude for the chance to get out of their homes and reconnect with the community.
Hoyle added that many of his customers opted to walk to the coffee shop instead of driving on icy roads, and many swapped their usual coffee for a cozy hot chocolate.