Business & Tech

Should Private Businesses Close During Bad Storms?

One Grafton resident was bothered that the local Dunkin' Donuts had planned to remain open through the storm.

With a "potentially historic" blizzard upon us, the governor has ordered all non-emergency employees to stay home.

Private businesses, however, may choose whether to stay open.

In Grafton Friday morning, Kristen Remillard was happy to be able to grab her morning coffee at Dunkin' Donuts before the snow started falling. When she asked an employee if they'd be leaving early because of the storm, she was surprised to hear "no."

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Let Patch save you time. Get local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

Remillard posted on the Grafton Patch Facebook page a letter she wrote to the chain, expressing her concern: 

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

Dear Dunkin Donuts (Massachusetts)
I was so very happy to get a coffee this morning on my mad rush before the snow storm "Nemo" ... BUT I was horrified to hear when I asked the employee if they were leaving early, that Dunkin Donuts is remaining OPEN during a STATE OF EMERGENCY here in MA. 
Yes I understand, people want their coffee - especially people plowing BUT I think it is pathetic you expect your employees, who are most likely only making $7-$9 an hour, to drive to work in these snow conditions. 
You are MILLION, most likely BILLION dollar company..... You will survive closing Massachusetts branches for a day or two. 
Putting money before the lives of your employees is just plain sad. 
Please reconsider keeping stores open during bad weather. We will survive without you for a day or two! We are more concerned with the safety of it's employees. Keep them home. 
Thank you, and Respectfully, Kristen

Contacted at 12:30 p.m. Friday, an employee said the 24-hour shop planned to remain open as usual "for now," and noted that while they had run out of donuts, muffins and beverages were still available.

What do you think of businesses remaining open during such storms? Do you appreciate it, or could you go without? Tell us in the comments.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Grafton