'Hamp businesses eager for next weekend

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - This weekend’s storm stalled sales for many businesses.  Thornes Marketplace was closed on Saturday and so were the majority of small businesses on Main Street. 

But some business owners, like Joe Igneri of Local Burger , took a chance by staying open during the storm.  “No we didn't plan ahead we just took it if it came it came, if it didn't come,” said Igneri on Monday.

But it came and it was one for the record books.  The storm blanketed the Pioneer Valley with up to two feet of snow in some areas.  On Monday, snow banks narrowed Northampton city streets to one lane and made parking difficult.  But Igneri says he’s glad customers were back.

“Saturday day we opened up regular time, we stayed open ‘til 3AM but our sales were down both days about $6,000 to $7,000 dollars,” said Igneri, co-owner of the Main Street burger joint.

The lack of foot traffic also meant a lighter paycheck for employees like Tyler Micjenka. He's one the cooks who sometimes works the front register.  Ringing up customers gets him more than an hourly wage; he can also make money off tips. 

“You got everyone from the bar coming in around 12 o'clock, one o'clock, there's a line out the door. On a night where the storm affects it, you're going to make maybe not even half the amount you'd make on a regular night,” said MicJenka. 

Igneri says many owners hope to make up for the lost business this coming weekend. Valentine's Day is Thursday.