Sunny sales on a rainy holiday
Labor Day may not have ended on a sunny note, but coastal business owners were singing in the rain.
“We’ve had a very busy, wonderful weekend,” said Hap Alexander, the owner of Sears Landing and Boat Docks on N.C. 210 in Surf City. “We’re way busier this year than we were last year (on Labor Day weekend) … this is our sixth season, and we’re coming off one of the best seasons we’ve ever had — I’m optimistic about the future.”
Alexander and his wait staff had just recovered from the breakfast boom around noon. After a short breather, the restaurant was filling up again by 1 p.m. with the lunch crowd — most of whom wanted to get out of the wet weather.
“I think the weather actually helped us. I think people who would have gone to the beach today, packed up, cleaned up, and didn’t want to dirty the kitchens again, are stopping in to eat on their way home,” he said. “I may be screaming the island is empty later, but for now, we’re scrambling.”
Martha Rainville and Paul McHale, of Alexandria, Va., spent more than half of the extended Labor Day weekend in Surf City.
Monday’s rainy weather didn’t interfere with their plans too much.
“We were vacationing and we’re also building a home (in Holly Ridge), so we came for the long weekend to relax and to check on the construction, and planned on leaving around noon anyway,” said Rainville. “Though the island was very busy — compared to what we’re used to in Alexandria, it still gives you the feeling you can relax. That’s why we love it here so much.”
