Winter Weather Takes a Toll on Winston-Salem Businesses
In Winston-Salem, the winter weather has not only blanketed the city in snow but also impacted the local economy, as numerous businesses report a decline in foot traffic. This downturn is particularly concerning for business owners who were counting on winter events to boost their sales.
One of the highly anticipated events, NASCAR’s Cook Out Clash, was expected to draw crowds similar to last year’s attendance of 15,000 visitors. Local businesses had been gearing up for the influx, hoping for a surge in activity across various sectors.
“If we get anything big in town, we see spill over all across the spectrum,” explained Tommy Priest, owner of Coffee Park Airstream. “And so the restaurants pack up, the hotels, the beer shops definitely pack up, especially with the Clash. I mean, it’s just a big hit.”
Unfortunately, the weather-induced rescheduling of the event, coupled with continued cold snaps, has left many business owners in a difficult position. Establishments such as Acadia Foods, Que Viva Latin Street Grill, and Little Pep wine bar have turned to social media, urging community members to show their support as they cope with dwindling sales.
Priest emphasizes the importance of community support, saying, “Our community just needs to get out and support. I don’t want to say the national competitor names, but I’ve seen way too many people in their parking lots.”
To help local businesses survive the winter months, Priest suggests that purchasing gift cards can provide a much-needed financial bridge until spring arrives.
