Power Outages Costing Local Businesses
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWS
Updated: December 21, 2012
420 additional crews from surrounding states were called in, but the outage is costing some local businesses thousands.
"Hi," said Audie Grider an employee at U.S Pizza in Hillcrest, "I'm sorry we're closed... We don't have any power."
Grider said he never expected business to be this slow during the holidays. Seats typically filled during the busy time, sat empty.
It's too dark for employees to even find their way around the restaurant after outages from a storm Thursday.
Audie said the pizza restaurant has had to throw out much of their food , "It was really sad to see so much food go out in the garbage."
Their spot in Hillcrest is at the center of one of the areas hardest hit by outages.
Our cameras caught Entergy crews in the area trying to fix the downed lines.
All line-men's vacation was temporarily canceled said Entergy spokesperson David Lewis.
"We take care of our people," Lewis said, "But we have our priorities."
Entergy said they realize electricity isn't just a convenience but a necessity and that all power will be restored the latest Sunday at noon.
Literally across the street from restaurants without power, business was bustling at restaurants lucky enough to not have lost service.
Stores like Spokes on Kavenaugh was only inconvenienced a few hours.
"We still had customers in the shop and they still bought stuff," said owner Matt Seelinger. "I can't imagine, I'd be pretty upset if I didn't have power."
He added they're in a much better position and feel for those trying to have a successful holiday season, in the dark.
Around 4:30 PM Friday power was restored to U.S. Pizza.
Click here for the most up to date information on outages.


