Few Delaware businesses brave snowstorm [video]

Thurday’s snowstorm forced many Wilmington businesses to shut down due to road conditions, one pizzeria was the exception.

Cafe Verdi in the Trolley Square section of Wilmington decided to brave the storm due to a catering job that required a large order of pizza pies. Also, the amount of foot traffic often frequented at the pizzeria that has been a staple in the community for more than two decades is another reason why the shop couldn’t afford to close. During Thursday’s lunch hour, traffic was steady and one couple decided to dine in.

“Usually we make a lot, but today with not too many people out walking, we made about 35 pizzas for this type of weather so no real complaints,” said Silvio Garbati, co-owner of Cafe of Verdi.

According to AAA-Mid Atlantic, snow accumulations are expected hit up to 8 inches in parts of Delaware. Temperatures will drop as low as 20 degrees with wind chills in the single digits overnight. As a result, Cafe Verdi owners like many others are closing early.

The average number of pizza pies on a slow day for Cafe Verdi is about 90 to 100 tossed daily and Garbati said that number doubles on a good work day especially when warmer temperatures are in the forecast. 

“We have 19 days until the Spring and this weather is killing everybody. People don’t want to walk and people are scared to do business, so things are down a little bit,” Garbati said.