BERKLEY, Mich. – Businesses in Berkley continue to grapple with the aftermath of severe storms that swept through the area earlier this week. Among the hardest hit is Gate Keeper Games, a popular spot on 12 Mile known for its bustling Friday night crowds.

Impact on Gate Keeper Games

Timothy Barnes, owner of Gate Keeper Games, expressed the challenges they face due to prolonged power outages. Typically a hub for gaming tournaments and live entertainment, the venue has been forced to remain closed since Thursday. Barnes lamented, Friday’s our biggest day, but unfortunately, I don’t know when the power is coming back up.

The financial implications are stark for Gate Keeper Games, with Barnes estimating a loss of at least $2,000 for Friday night alone. He emphasized the broader economic impact, stating, Our margins are very thin because of the bar. Not making it tonight will be a significant hit, possibly affecting us by 20 to 30 percent for the week.

Community-wide Impact

The challenges extend beyond Gate Keeper Games. Amy Chinoski, a stylist at Step Up Salon nearby, highlighted their own struggles with power loss. We had to close yesterday, and a lot of our stylists had to reschedule their appointments, she explained. The salon, like many other local businesses, faced operational disruptions due to the outage.

Chinoski noted the community support and resilience amidst adversity, mentioning neighboring businesses like Amici’s Pizza, which utilized generators to prevent spoilage of perishable items during the outage.

Recovery Efforts and Community Support

While some businesses have managed to resume operations after power restoration late Thursday, others in Berkley are still navigating the aftermath. DTE Energy crews are actively working to restore power across the area, with ongoing efforts visible throughout downtown Berkley.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

As Berkley businesses strive to recover from the impact of severe storms, the community remains resilient despite financial setbacks and operational challenges. For businesses like Gate Keeper Games and Step Up Salon, the focus remains on regaining normalcy and welcoming patrons back as soon as possible.

For ongoing updates on power restoration efforts and community support, residents can check the DTE Outage Map. Stay informed and support local businesses as they weather through this challenging time.

For more local news updates, download The Local News App to your phone by clicking download on the prompt.

Source