Restaurant lost power for 8 days, $19K in sales after storm

Joslyn Kelly, owner of J's Breakfast Club in Gary, Indiana, described the significant impact of an eight-day power outage that began on August 11 following a severe storm. The blackout resulted in an estimated $19,000 loss in sales, representing about 90% of typical revenue.

Kelly detailed how the restaurant adapted by setting up tents and using propane-fueled deep fryers and griddles to continue serving customers outdoors, despite the lack of electricity. Several employees showed up to work, and the business was able to provide some service to the community, including catering for corporations and serving food at the YMCA.

The prolonged outage, which affected over 57,000 customers, highlighted concerns about Gary's aging infrastructure, including old trees and unmaintained vegetation. Kelly expressed hope that the event would serve as a wake-up call for improved development, zoning, and infrastructure protection.

Power was eventually restored on August 20, allowing the restaurant to reopen for dine-in and carry-out services, though delivery services, which account for 10-15% of business, have not yet been reactivated.