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Businesses taking stock before holiday
Published May 23, 2009
SURFSIDE BEACH — As Memorial Day travelers pile onto area beaches, business owners are thankful they’ve prepared for this weekend.
“We’re expecting a massive crowd of people,” said Bing Cosby, owner of Bingo’s Boards in Surfside. “This beach will be packed from one end to the other.”
Tourists already were flowing to the beach Friday, encouraged by the beautiful weather, Cosby said.
Cosby said it doesn’t appear rising gas prices are discouraging travelers from making their way to the coast — he already had met people from Dallas, Waco and Louisiana by Friday afternoon.
Galveston’s still damaged beaches are another reason Cosby is expecting a larger-than-normal crowd.
“People like this beach,” Cosby said. “It’s laid back.”
Though some people might think high school students still being in school will decrease crowds, Cosby thinks it will help his business.
“It just makes them want to party more,” Cosby said.
Kitty’s Purple Cow owner Bonnie “Kitty” Smith agrees.
High school students will come to the beaches during the weekend and then just go back to school Tuesday, she said.
Smith is familiar with busy Memorial Day weekends, but she thinks this weekend will be her busiest yet, she said. The beautiful weather is enough to make Smith believe this weekend will be a moneymaker, she said.
“The high gas prices and poor economy bring more to the beach,” Smith said.
Instead of driving a long way or flying, people are looking for somewhere relatively close to go, she said.
Local hotels also expect an influx of people during Memorial Day weekend. For them, this is just the beginning of a long, busy season, said Scott Barber, general manager at Cherotel in Clute.
“Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend is the kickoff of the silly season,” Barber said.
Even businesses away from the beach are expecting an increased amount of visitors.
Varner-Hogg Plantation has prepared for a busy weekend. The weather alone would bring people to outdoor tourist attractions, said Sue Miller, site manager. More and more families will be visiting, she said.
Business have made sure to prepare for this weekend, stocking up on items and making sure staff are ready to move quickly.
To prepare for the influx, Cosby has stocked up on surfboards, clothes, food and ice cream, Cosby said. Smith has purchased all of the stock she can fit into her restaurant, Smith said.
At Cherotel, Barber has instructed all of his staff to remember they will have to move more quickly during the busy summer season, he said. He makes sure everything is coordinated so, as business picks up, he will be ready, he said.
Katlynn Lanham is a reporter for The Facts. Contact her at (979) 237-0150.
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