Some stay open while hundreds close

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - More than 600 closings were reported to NewsChannel 15 Wednesday. But despite the winter weather, a select few businesses chose to stay open.

A cup of coffee and blanket inside a warm home is the scene many folks across northeast Indiana were a part of Wednesday.  But not everyone had the day off.

Dozens of customers filled the IHOP on Lima and Washington Center for breakfast.  Some were just traveling through town.  For some area plow drivers, they were taking a much needed break.

Phones were ringing off the hook at the Papa Johns off Jefferson Boulevard Wednesday afternoon.  It was one of the only pizza places open in the area.  As a delivery boy Doug Haler packed pizza's in his car, he said he wasn't looking forward to some of the residential roads yet to be cleared.

The Target near Glenbrook Mall was a different story.  Employee Joe Marone said only about one customer came in during the first hour the store was open.  Only a handful came in the second hour.

Seven of about 25 employees scheduled to work actually made it in.

Thursday's weather conditions should be a little more clear, which means it could be back to work for those who had the day off.