As Toronto's heaviest snowfall of the season ripped through the city yesterday, many restaurants and businesses decided to shut for the day. With employees struggling to get to work, people getting out of their cars on the 401 to shovel their way to an exit and TTC buses having to be pushed to be able to move again, it's safe to say that not many people planned to leave their warm homes in exchange for the frigid weather – especially not to grab takeout.
On Instagram yesterday evening, Nicey's Eatery in Scarborough shared security camera footage to their feed, showing an individual who actually did dare to make the trek outside to the restaurant during the storm to grab lunch, but was left disappointed, as the restaurant had closed for the day due to the weather. Posting their closure on their Instagram, they couldn't even get a staff member into the building, to shut off their "open" sign.
With a blanket of snow climbing up their legs, the customer is seen taking wide steps through the restaurant's uncleared walkway, only to get to the front and recognize they weren't open. Falling to their knees in disappointment, the customer waves their arms around in defeat, before slowly trudging through the snow again to go back home.
"I was in disbelief, someone would come out of their house to get food in this weather," says owner Valerie Lai. "I watched the video ten times and each time I feel bad. I wished I was actually open. This customer is so dedicated to us, we need to let him know we appreciate his business. Just seeing him walk off and he couldn't walk a straight line, dragging his feet with disappointment."
Appreciative of their dedication to wanting to support the business, even during some of the worst winter weather the city has seen this year, the restaurant is currently searching for the individual now, wanting to provide them with a meal on the house.
"To our loyal customer, we don't know who you are but we will be looking out for you. We are terribly sorry the restaurant was closed. We feel your disappointment and hope to see you soon. What ever you had on your mind to purchase today, that meal is on us," they wrote on Instagram.
Good news for those looking to takeout from Nicey's Eatery today is that they're open from 11 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a shovelled walkway straight to their door, no need to fight the snow. Be sure to stay tuned to their Instagram for updates on when their loyal customer returns again.
