McPherson businesses adjust hours, close due to winter weather

MCPHERSON, Kan. (KWCH) – Snowy and cold conditions across Kansas forced local businesses to decide whether to open. The McPherson area received around five inches of snow.

Snow-covered streets and frigid temperatures made for a slow start to the day as cars crawled through downtown McPherson. Businesses along Main Street made different calls, with some opening their doors and others closing them.

Craft Coffee Parlor decided to remain open but altered their hours.

“We had to shovel and salt a lot, so we’ve been outside at least twice trying to shovel,” said Abigail Blanchard and Jory Glendening with Craft Coffee Parlor. “We wanted to make sure our customers were able to come in and enjoy their breakfast burritos, enjoy their coffee.”

Other businesses decided to close.

“We just decided to err on the side of caution for our employees and our clients and just make it up at a different time,” said Rhonda Biehler with Creative Hairlines Salon and Spa.

Customer demand persists through snow storm

Despite the snowy weather, both businesses said they had their share of people who wanted to come out anyway.

“We maybe had two in the first hour, then after that they just kept coming. People wanted their burritos,” said Blanchard and Glendening. “But yeah, definitely more than we thought.”

Biehler said some clients call off days or even weeks in advance when they hear cold weather is coming.

“But then we have those hardcore ones that it doesn’t matter — they want to be here and they want their hair done and they want their hair done on that day,” Biehler said.

The decision to alter hours or close comes down to safety for both employees and customers.

“I really think the most important thing is just making sure everyone is safe, especially with how much snow we’re supposed to get,” said Blanchard and Glendening.

“It’s really an easy decision to make because you just can’t replace those people,” said Biehler.

Local businesses recommend always checking websites and social media for any changes to business hours before braving the weather.