Businesses stay open amid winter storm

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Winter weather continues to stick around in the Mid-Missouri, several businesses in the area have had to make the decision on whether to stay open or close.

Pizza Tree in Downtown Columbia decided to brave the storm by closing it's dining room but staying open for pick-up and delivery only.

Orders for delivery had to be for $100 or more.

John Gilbert owner of Pizza tree says, "we consider ourselves essential workers here you knows for me to try to keep that doors open that is our mission."

Gilbert says, he picked up some of his staff Wednesday morning but did not make his delivery staff come in because it is not worth the risk. He personally handled all of the deliveries himself.

"We delivered a lot of pizza to Boone Hospital this morning, they practically bought us out of pizza honestly." Gilberth says.

All big chain stores in the area such as, Hy-Vee, Sam's Club, Lowe's and Gerbes all remained open will normal operating hours.

The Hy-Vee store on Conley Road in Columbia closed it's deli, market grill, meat department, hy-chi, Italian and bakery at three o'clock Wednesday afternoon due to the weather conditions.

Restaurants chains such as, Sonic, Little Caesars, Noodles and Company and Starbucks were all closed due to the storm.

The Waffle House on Vandiver said the storm wasn't affecting its normal 24/7 operation and that they plan to stay open.

If you do decide to hit the roads to go to one of these open businesses it's best to stay alert of conditions and to take your time.