The closure of I-95 in Norwalk has caused chaos on Route 1, impacting businesses in the area. The Silver Star Diner is feeling the effects of the traffic snarl, with owner Alexandros Savvidis noting a significant drop in customers during the usually busy dinner rush.
With traffic at a standstill, regular customers are finding it difficult to navigate their way to the diner, resulting in a sharp decline in business. Savvidis is even forced to take on multiple roles, from taking orders to cooking and delivering them, as his staff is unable to make it to work on time due to the traffic delays.
The situation is not much better at a nearby Citgo gas station, where manager Arron Sebastian laments the slow business. However, amidst the chaos, some new entrepreneurs have emerged. Nine-year-old Rocky and her family set up an iced tea stand, making $26 from generous drivers stuck in traffic.
While the young entrepreneurs are enjoying their newfound success, long-time businesses like Silver Star Diner are eagerly awaiting the reopening of I-95 on Monday. Head chef Antoneos Kalmanidis expresses hope that once the traffic clears, customers will return to their beloved diner.
As the community navigates through the challenges posed by the I-95 closure, it is clear that both established businesses and new ventures are feeling the impact of the traffic snarl in Norwalk.