Warmer weather, Valentine's Day could lead to big weekend for local businesses

Valentine’s Day is this weekend and with the warmer temperatures people will really be able to take advantage of these next couple of days.

It’s also a good chance for businesses to bring in some mich-needed foot traffic.

Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year. John Sluck, the owner of Midtown Grill said it’s a business owners dream.

“Because you get Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday out of the holiday,” Sluck said.

Local business owners said that people should book their reservations early. Sluck said he's had to turn a few people away who tried to schedule a reservation on Monday.

Even thought the pandemic, Sluck said they’ve been able to keep almost all of their staff. With warmer temperatures, he said this weekend is a recipe for success.

“Today for lunch the patio was entirely full for the entire meal. Tonight it’s full,” Sluck said.

On the other hand, Special Touch Flowers opened a year ago and since then they’ve been busy non stop, mostly with sympathy arrangements related to COVID-19 deaths.

“Sadly a lot of deceased people. Every day we’d have three or four per day. Funerals that were taken care of,” said Uriel Arroyo, owner of Special Touch Flowers.

But now, customers are snapping up bouquets for happier reasons and the demand this Valentine’s Day weekend is soaring.

Arroyo said they’ve had to hire three extra workers just for the upcoming rush.

“When you see the expression, on the females more than anything, it’s a joy and satisfaction. They’re not expecting it,” Arroyo said.

Both businesses told WRAL News this is probably just the beginning of the rush. After Valentine’s Day there’s Mother’s Day, summer is right around the corner.