Community Corner

Businesses Face Increasing Demand, Supply Shortages

Whether you're looking for a frappuccino or a tank of gas, you may have a tough time shopping at local businesses this week.

As the county recovers from Friday’s violent storms, some businesses are facing increasing customer demand under some tough circumstances.

Monday, on River Road was operating without power after a generator stopped working overnight. A steady flow of customers stopped by in search of ice, which employees were keeping refrigerated in a truck. Cashiers were working outside in the heat the “old fashioned way,” accepting cash.

And after days of power outages, many patrons aren’t in the best mood, said owner Peter Frank. “People are very unhappy, they’re very testy,” Frank said.

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Increased demand for gas has meant many gas stations are running out of fuel. John Bonds, owner of Westbard Citgo, reported going through three tank loads of gas between his station and the other Citgo station on Westbard in the past several days.

“Don’t ask me why, everybody wants to fill up,” Bonds said.

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He expected to run out Monday by 4 or 5 p.m., and the next tank of gas wasn’t scheduled to arrive until Tuesday morning.

Some Bethesda coffee shops were more like zoos Monday as residents sought out a place to cool off, plug in, and grab a bite to eat. At the Westbard Starbucks, there wasn’t an electrical outlet to be found as patrons piled in with their laptops.

The business sold out of most of their baked goods by 9 a.m.

At the Starbucks at Norfolk and Woodmont Avenues, a sign on the door advised customers Sunday of an ice shortage. “We have very little to no ice,” the sign read. “Sorry about the inconvenience, we’ll gladly make anything we can. Our machine can’t keep up with the volume of customers.”

Many businesses remained dark Monday, including much of the Shoppes at Sumner Place shopping plaza. The Safeway there had re-opened, however, following a weekend-long closure.

Meanwhile, some shops and restaurants with power took to Twitter and Facebook, welcoming patrons inside to escape the heat and darkness. “Zen Tara Tea open today 8am-7p.m.,” tweeted the Bethesda Avenue tea shop. “Great teas, coffee, pastries, table seating. AC, WiFi, power 3 blks. from Metro.”

Which businesses are you patronizing to keep cool today? Are you noticing any problems caused by increased demand? Tell us in the comments.


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