Q: I just moved here and can't believe the hours that the local businesses keep.

When are places open? It seems that some restaurants and several other businesses are closed Sunday and Monday, and some are closed Tuesday. Some stores are open on weekends but other businesses are not, and most places close really early. How do they expect to do any business if they're not open at the convenience of their customers? I guess I just have to keep shopping in the city.

A: All small towns have this issue. Small businesses can't afford the staff to cover 14 to 16 hour days, seven days a week. The businesses are, for the most part, family-owned and run. These folks already work long hours and even when they're not in the store they are making deliveries, picking up supplies, or doing on of the million other things that are required when you have a small business.
Most of our larger stores that can afford more help are open extended hours. However, this is not a big city and we don't have a lot of large franchise stores. Part of the charm of a small town is doing business with families who live and work here. Our shops have unique products, often made right here on the Island, that you won't find in large franchise stores.
Restaurants in particular need time to clean, re-stock supplies, prepare some food items ahead, and do the bookwork. That means that there must be a day or two each week set aside for those chores. Fortunately, we have many wonderful restaurants to choose from. You just have to learn their hours.
We have no K-Mart here. There is no Wal-Mart or McDonald's. Most of us hope fervently that there will never be a big box store or large chain operation here.
Most American towns and cities look alike. They have the same stores with the same merchandise in identical shopping centers. Living in a small town is not about shopping convenience. Slow down and learn to flow with our "Island time." You'll live longer!