Local businesses thrive on Presidents' Day

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A week after the snowstorm, many Franklin County residents are enjoying a snowless holiday weekend, and 22News found out why the long weekend is welcome news for business owners in Greenfield.

A drastic change for downtown Greenfield. On February 10th a snowstorm left sidewalks and entrances to shops blocked by massive piles of snow.

Mark Donoghue, owner of Taylor’s Tavern on Main Street, told 22News they had to close early last Friday.

He said “Friday was really a total loss, which is unfortunate. And you can't get it back. Not in the food and beverage industry anyways.”

Now, on Presidents' Day weekend, it's a scene much appreciated by local business owners. A quiet, snowless long weekend bringing families back out to restaurants and shops.

Steven Krol of Sunderland said “It's good to support the local economy and you know, get out, having breakfast after church is a nice thing.”

For Franklin County business owners February vacation and Presidents Day are opportunities for them to make up the sales they lost during the February Nor'easter.

Donoghue said “This weekend is a great weekend. We do much better during the colder months because people want to get out. They get a little cabin fever so they want to get out, go out to eat, go out have some drinks and have some fun.”

And despite the sudden drop in temperatures on Sunday, many families told 22News they still plan on enjoying their day off from work.

Eileen Krol of Sunderland said “I love this weather. This is winter. This is what you expect and this is supposed to be the way it is. That's why we live here. It's for the seasons.”