Restaurants Hope Weather Doesn't Kill Profits

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- As a possible crippling blizzard makes its way to Baltimore, some restaurants and bars are hunkering down and putting their worst case scenario plan in motion.

Amy Yensi has more on how they plan to cope for the next couple of days.

It's shaping up to be a rough weekend for businesses that rely on the constant flow of customers.

And as the snowfall gets underway, some businesses are feeling the impact of this storm.

With the threat of a blizzard looming, Baltimore businesses brace themselves for the worst.

"If it's as bad as they say, we'll probably lose somewhere between 20 and 30 thousands in business over the next two to three days.

Warnings of heavy-snow and frigid conditions have a ripple effect on Bill Bateman's Bistro.

The restaurant is seeing a spike in party cancellations from worried patrons.

Its next-door neighbor and main customer base -- Towson University -- has postponed its move-in day until Monday.

Some staff members may not be able to come in at all.

"It's hard to get staff here and any customers that come here are pretty much going to be walking," said Tom Trinkle, owner of the bistro.

Luke Smith is having one last meal before they hunker down for the storm.

"I'm actually kind of nervous because my cooking skills aren't exactly on point to be able to suffice for three days. So this is a good last lunch to have," Smith said.

Despite the threat of heavy snow, here at High Tops Bar and Grill in Timonium, not only are they staying open, but they are hosting a blizzard party.

"We don't close for anything. We're open rain, sleet, snow, hurricanes, zombie apocalypse, blizzards, anything we can really open for, we're going to be open," said Brandon Bell, of High Tops.

Staying open for those weathering the storm with a shot of optimism.

"Why worry about it? You can't stop it. Can't do anything about it. Just enjoy it," said Chuck Marshall.

And the restaurant managers are hoping for major cabin fever. Once the storm passes they expect many people excited to get out of the house and into their business.

Some local restaurant cut down on food orders fearing that it will go to waste if the storm causes outages.