Latest winter storm likely had a crippling effect on business

For the record: Jimmi's Restaurant in Cape Girardeau is open for business.

I wrote an article a few weeks ago about the building that houses Jimmi's being up for sale. Some readers thought that meant the restaurant was closing. In fact, the owners plan to continue operating the restaurant as usual.

If those readers feel misled by my previous article, I offer a heartfelt apology.

n Winter storm cripples some businesses: The first winter storm of 2009 has come and gone. In its wake, it left impassable roadways and thousands of residents in the dark. Like other public service-oriented businesses. the team here at the Southeast Missourian braved the icy streets. We spent long hours to bring the news to you. While I drove in nearly a foot of snow while in Nebraska, I must admit that at times it was harder to navigate around town here.

One aspect of the storm given less attention is the effect on the business community throughout Southeast Missouri.

I talked with a couple of business owners last week who were forced to close their doors at least one day.

Rick Geis of Culver's ButterBurgers and Frozen Custard in Cape Giradeau closed his restaurant Jan. 28 because of anticipated poor sales. My pregnant wife had a craving for one of his delicious ButterBurgers that same day.

Geis told me sales were not good Tuesday and that that weighed into his decision.

"I got here during the morning and determined there wasn't any reason to open under these conditions," Geis said. "My workers had trouble getting into work, and I didn't want to make them risk it. While we provide a public service, I felt it was a waste of time to open."

Another Cape Girardeau business owner, Jim Rowland, was forced to close Muffler Express on Wednesday because all his available employees were using snow plows around town until late that evening.

"I've run out of people to run the shop," said Rowland, whose shop worked on numerous cars in need of repairs Tuesday because of storm damage. "This is the worst I've seen in about 10 years. I just wish people would stay at home, which would cut down on accidents and getting stuck in snowdrifts."

While it may be difficult to determine the exact dollar amount the storm cost businesses who were forced to close their doors or received damage to their buildings, just about anyone can agree its effect was felt by many.

Southeast Missouri State University economics professor Bruce Domazlicky, director of the Center of Economic and Business Research at the university, said while he has no hard numbers that can detail the monetary loss, some businesses such as grocery stores will see spending pick up as people restock once they have power again.

"However, some grocery stores may lose stock if they do not have adequate backup powers such as generators," Domazlicky said. "Also, people may travel to other locations for their grocery supplies, resulting in a permanent loss of business for those stores most affected by the storm."

Domazlicky said restaurants may lose stock to spoilage.

"For restaurants, being closed probably means lost business that will not be made up later," he said. "For other stores, after a dismal Christmas shopping season, this loss of several days of sales is most unwelcome.

"I am sure the lost sales will run into the millions of dollars in the end for Bootheel counties, in particular, where four counties have almost no power two days after the storm," Domazlicky continued. "Government revenues will also take a bit of a hit since sales tax revenue is so important to city and county budgets.

n Mailbox and parcel business closes: Due to the poor economic conditions, Mailboxes and Parcel Depot at 2148 Broadway in Cape Girardeau has closed its doors. Owner Cheryl Walter said someone will be at the store next week for a liquidation sale but no shipping services will be offered.

The delivery industry throughout the country is taking an economic hit, possibly to the tune of a more than a $6 billion deficit for the current fiscal year. The United States Postal Service announced last week it may be forced to cut back to a five-day week. The elimination of Saturday or Tuesday -- the postal service's two slowest days of the week -- is being considered.

Last year items delivered by the postal service declined by 9 billion items, the largest yearly drop in its history, the Associated Press reported. The current fiscal year may be the first time since 1946 the amount of money collected by post offices declined from the previous year.

"It is possible that the cost of six-day delivery may simply prove to be unaffordable," Postmaster General John Potter told a Senate subcommittee last week. "I do not make this request lightly, but I am forced to consider every option given the severity of our challenge."

n Rhodes remodels gas station: A Rhodes 101 sign near the former Basic Fuel station seems to have created some confusion. Some people thought the sign meant Rhodes 101 was taking over the station that went out of business two weeks ago, but that isn't the case.

The sign simply states the nearby location on South Kingshighway is being remodeled. Rhodes 101 has not taken over the Basic Fuel station.

Keith Boeller, president of PAJCO Inc. that operates Rhodes 101, said the store will have similar offerings as most of its other Rhodes locations, including Chester fried chicken, coffee, fountain drinks and drive-through service. He said the store has been completely gutted and will be brighter than before.

n New chiropractic office to open soon: Dr. Kendrick Morris is scheduled to open a new chiropractic office at 1404 Old Cape Road, Suite 205, at the corner of East Jackson and South Shawnee boulevards and Old Cape Road in Jackson. Broker David S. Glastetter and commercial sales associate Ralph Hendrickson with ERA Cape Realty handled the leasing details. Dr. Morris has been practicing upper cervical chiropractic care since December 2005.

Southeast Missourian business reporter can be reached at 388-3628 or bblackwell@semissourian.com.