Mid-Missouri store owners brave the weather, stay open in frigid temps

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

While many stores, businesses, and restaurants chose to shut their doors today, a few local restaurants chose to stay open despite the snow.

Southside Pizza in Columbia and the Boonville Store and Cafe chose to keep their restaurants open to serve their customers despite the frigid temperature and early morning snowfall.

Boonville Store and Cafe owners Gregg and Cathleen Hoffman made the decision to open their doors an hour early today.

"We gotta get the heat going," said Cathleen, "get the prep done, get all the stuff done."

Gregg said they make all of their own food and Cathleen said, "it takes a little bit more time when it's this cold."

General Manager for Southside Pizza in Columbia Yoeun Moeun said they have received quite a few orders today.

"Normally this time we get quiet a bit of order," said Moeun, "seems like not many businesses are still open today."

Moeun said they haven't had any issues making their deliveries today.

"I just tell the drivers to drive slow, there's no need to rush or anything," Moeun said, "you know just be careful."

Both Moeun and Cathleen Hoffman said most of the roads in their respective areas have been plowed, making their trips easier.

"I think they are doing a great job," Cathleen said, "we live down on 6th street and they go past our house and around the main street so it's pretty clear when we come to work."

Gregg said, "they had a lot of drivers out, salting and plowing the roads, they are doing good, and they do an excellent job every year."

Moeun said the roads in Columbia were clear as well.

"The main roads aren't as bad right now," Moeun said, "it's more of the neighborhoods that are giving my drivers a little bit of a hard time."

Southside Pizza does ask that you give their drivers some patience as they make sure their drivers deliver your pizza safely.