Quoted Text

Storm serves up manna for some restaurants
Those that had power also had long lines of hungry patrons

By STEVE BARNES, Senior writer
First published in print: Tuesday, December 16, 2008

"It was as crazy as Mother's Day," one of the busiest restaurant days of the year, said Evan Christou, whose family has long owned Tops American Grill in Rotterdam. Anticipating slow business on Friday, as is typical on the day after a storm, Christou told staffers who commute long distances not to report to work; but diners started arriving by 7 a.m. Friday and packed Tops for the next 14 hours. Saturday and Sunday were far busier than normal as well, Christou said............http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=750822&category=BUSINESS

I was in there on Friday night, picking up an order for myself and my wife.  There were about 25-30 people waiting to be seated, the parking lot was full (people were parking at McDonald's and walking over), and the place was packed.  The staff was running around like mad, trying to keep up with everything.  

I heard there was a 2-3 hour wait at Tops over the weekend. They did a great job and met the need. I go there as often as Ican to support their business. The food is good and so is the service.

I was impressed at how well people behaved.  Despite the wait, despite the staff pulling their hair out trying to keep up, everyone was in a "good mood."  In the time I waited to get our order, no one complained, no one caused any trouble, no one was griping.  And I agree with Bumble, the service and food there is rock solid.

I'm surprised that they had power Friday morning.   I live just down the street and probably drove by there about 5:30 or so.  Didn't see a light on between the RPD station and town hall.  Maybe I just didn't check that side when I came through, but even the light at 5 corners was out.