Hurricane Irene Sparks Extra Business

Hurricane Irene was responsible for an uncounted amount of downed trees and cable wires as well as house floods and other damages, but some businesses in the New Hyde Park area opened their doors to the public and braved the storm Sunday.

Dave Kuhnlein, owner of the Applebee’s on Jericho Turnpike and the on Hillside Avenue, said they were able to keep open during the storm.

“We were pleased that we were able to open and accommodate our guests,” Kuhnlein said.

Applebee’s opened at 12 p.m. on Sunday, one hour later than usual, and brought in a surprising amount of hungry customers.

“There were a lot of people who unfortunately lost power,” Kuhnlein said.

But because Applebee’s wasn’t one of them, more business was brought in.

Kuhnlein said he and his staff go through a checklist whenever a storm or anything similar is anticipated, and it was because of proper preparation that Applebee’s was able to remain open.

Unfortunately for Panera though, power was lost and still has not returned since Irene struck.

On the upside, Kuhnlein said, “The cafés are doing very well because a lot of people do not have Internet access so they go to Panera because they always have free Internet access.”

Kuhnlein said Panera Bread hopes to have the power up and running at the Hillside Panera as soon as possible.

Update: The Panera Bread has its power restored and will be re-open on Wednesday at 6:30 a.m.