Rainy days affect seasonal businesses

People walk up to the front window of Gus’s Hot Dogs in Watervliet. They come for the hot dogs, of course, but also the hamburgers.

It’s been in business for 67 years now, so it’s certainly weathered more than a few storms. However, owner Steve Haita is not happy about the recent stretch of rain.

"It hasn’t helped, especially just coming out of the restrictions being lifted and everything," he said. "A lot of people are working around it. What they’re doing is they’re calling in the orders, and they’re eating in their cars and whatnot, so they’re making the best of it. They’re going to plan B."

It helps that the service is so efficient.

Gus’s has a faithful following, but the weather matters because most of the seating is outdoors. A lot of people like to eat at the picnic tables.

"Yes, they do. As a matter of fact, a lot of times many people will take pictures standing in front of the flowers while they’re eating their hot dogs. They really get a kick out of my mom’s flowers and everything."

Little Big Fatz on Main Avenue in Wynantskill opened in March.

Owner Albert Deeb also had a food truck for four years.

At Little Big Fatz, they did a pretty good lunch business Wednesday when the sun was out.

Deeb says the rain every day has been a challenge.

"Hopefully the sun starts to come out. Opening a new business, you know you’re going to experience some rain in a seasonal business, but for the most part, it seems to rain every weekend!" said Deeb.

During the lunch rush, Madyson Heslin was busy serving customers.

When it’s raining, fewer people line up outside for ice cream, but people still call in orders for their burgers and fish fries.

"People can call ahead. So we do rely on that, and people have been calling in, so it’s been a good start for me in this establishment," said Deeb. "It’s a great community to be in."