A snow storm can’t stop Valentine’s Day flower deliveries. Drivers at Talley’s Florist in Gastonia braved wintry weather to deliver Wednesday and Thursday — and plan to deliver Friday. Owner Amy Doster said her husband drove her and other employees to the store on Thursday to prepare bouquets.
Customers began calling when she arrived in the morning. By afternoon, more orders came in. Customers don’t seem concerned with the weather. Only that their flower orders arrive. “They know we’ll get it to them,” Doster said. “That way they don’t have to worry about it. We’ll be skiing to their door.”
It’s the busiest holiday of the year for Talley’s. Four or five drivers are braving the snow to deliver in their SUVs. Not delivering is not an option. “You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do,” she said.
Customers are more likely to call for floral deliveries because of the snow, saving themselves any frustration of driving on slick roads, she said. But snow accumulation kept another local florist from delivering Thursday. Drivers at Fine and Fancy Flowers on York Street in Gastonia did not hit the streets, although the store remained open for customers venturing out to pick up arrangements.
Owner Sherry Maples said orders continue to come in and drivers plan to deliver on Friday, as long as it’s not a safety risk. She tried to fill as many orders as possible on Wednesday. “Most people are very accommodating. They would prefer that the flowers get there early,” she said.
Jewelry, restaurant business: Customers leery of snowfall shopped early this week at Morris Jewelers in Gastonia. Owner Michael Hennes still expects to be busy on Friday. He hopes roads will be clear of snow and ice. “With the panic of the weather, we have had some people come out and were afraid they weren’t able to shop (later),” he said. “You always have people who plan ahead. But men, speaking for myself included, we’re very bad for waiting to the last minute.”
Winter weather has not stopped couples from making Valentine’s Day dinner plans. Wednesday, Rodi on West Garrison Boulevard in Gastonia had 60 dinner reservations for Friday. “We’re booked up from 6:15 to 8:30,” said kitchen manager John McCall. “The snow is not hampering any of that.”
Customers calling to make required reservations didn’t seem concerned about snow. Regardless of the weather, the restaurant will be open Friday night, he said. Nick’s Steak and Taphouse in Gastonia cannot seat any more diners from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, said bartender Andrew Fitzpatrick.
Reservations are full during that time. He took three reservations as snow fell Wednesday morning. No one answered the phone at the restaurant on Thursday afternoon. Fitzpatrick thinks people will want to venture out on Valentine’s Day after being at home earlier this week because of snow.
“I don’t expect to have any cancellations,” he said.
You can reach Wade Allen at 704-869-1828 or twitter.com/GazetteWade.