Foodie News: Local Restaurants Rally After Winter Storm Disruptions

This week, I had the chance to chat with Jordon from Beaumont’s beloved Tia Juanita’s, who shared insights into how the recent winter storm has affected Southeast Texas businesses. While the Beaumont location escaped physical damage, the financial fallout of an unexpected closure hit hard — and at the worst possible time.

Southeast Texas is slowly thawing after an unprecedented winter storm blanketed the region in several inches of snow. While the frosty landscape may have made for scenic views, the storm left local businesses scrambling to recover lost revenue. According to Jordon, the ripple effects of shutting down for days are significant, impacting everything from food costs to employee livelihoods.

“It’s in the hundreds of thousands of dollars when you factor in the lost revenue, the replacement cost for prepped food that didn’t get used in time and had to be tossed,” Jordon explained. “It’s a major cash flow interruption. 

But it’s not just the restaurants themselves that take a hit. Employees — including servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff — are deeply affected when doors are forced to close for multiple days. “A lot of our team members rely on that income, and it’s tough when it disappears overnight,” Jordon said.

Despite the challenges, Jordon is optimistic that Southeast Texans will rise to the occasion and rally behind local restaurants. “This weekend is crucial,” he said. “If you’re heading out, stop by a local spot. Every plate ordered and every drink served helps us get back on our feet.”

So, foodies of Southeast Texas, consider this your call to action. Whether it’s Tia Juanita’s signature dishes or another hometown favorite, your support makes a difference. Let’s show up strong and give our local dining scene the boost it needs to bounce back.