The Brighton Cafe in Brighton, MA was open during Winter Storm Neptune on Feb. 15, 2015, despite the weather and lack of public transportation. But this isn’t unusual for the diner — “We only close two days a year,” said Catherine Taing, whose family owns the restaurant. “Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve.” The cafe even remained open during the last several storms that paralyzed public transit and shuttered many businesses and schools.
The Brighton Cafe is one of many local restaurants and businesses that have braved the weather over the past few winter storms. We took a look inside to see how, if at all, business changes on these snowy days.
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A Brighton Cafe chef prepares food, after the worst of the storm has passed. The cafe opened at 7 a.m. that day, as it would on any other Sunday.
Peter Cho waits for his food at the cafe counter.
Caleb Miller takes a sip of coffee, before digging into his meal. He fortified himself with bacon, eggs, and toast, before digging out his car to drive up to Vermont.
Hani Hasan Bajamal flips through his phone at a window table.
A woman holds her dog, Beckett, as she pays for a takeout meal. She said the dog was named after the playwright Samuel Beckett.
Catherine Taing, whose family owns the restaurant, works behind the counter. The family also owns Twin Donuts in Allston, MA, and Cafe Mirror in Brighton, MA
Pete Parker, of New York, and Erica Femino decide what to order.
Diners are reflected in the cafe's takeout window.
Catherine Taing and Leng Hong manage orders at the kitchen window.
Catherine Taing takes a quick food break. She had been up for most of the day.
Leng Hong, left, and Chhay Hong, right, handle customers' orders at the kitchen window.
Leng Hong clears a table. Despite the weather, the cafe saw a steady stream of customers.
A Brighton Cafe chef prepares food, after the worst of the storm has passed. The cafe opened at 7 a.m. that day, as it would on any other Sunday.
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