Read more: Local, Economy, Retail, Economy, Thanksgiving, Sales, Restaurants
Thanksgiving is traditionally a day when commercial concerns are put on hold before the spending frenzy on black Friday.
However -- with experts predicting poor sales this week, some Midlands businesses are hoping to get an extra boost in sales by keeping the light on for Thanksgiving Day.
For the past 25 years the doors to Hennessey’s restaurant in downtown Columbia have been closed on Thanksgiving Day.
"This year I thought we would try it," says owner Sharon May.
May says the demand to be open on Thanksgiving has always been there, but mixed with a down economy she's decided to change to fill empty seats.
"The economy kinda tanked, so it's been a little over a year of some pretty rough times," says May.
Several major retail chains are also feeling the pressure to capitalize on the consumer demand.
Retail giants like Old Navy, Michael’s and Dollar Tree will all be open on Thanksgiving.
"It's very important for retailers, to have a lot of consumers out there, for them financially," says Chairwoman of USC’s Retailing Department, Marianna Bickle.
Bickle says retailers are looking for new ways to lure customers and that includes staying open on holidays.
As the nation recovers from a two-year recession, Bickle says the extra day has several benefits for shoppers including a calmer environment than the frenzy of black Friday.
Bickle says...if all goes well, opening on turkey day could be a retailing trend that's here to stay.
"There was a time when retailers weren't open at night, there was a time when retailers weren't open on Sunday, so perhaps this will happen more and more in the future with retailers," Bickle.
As for Sharon May, she says she’s confident the extra day of business will mean big profits for her restaurant.
"We should have a very good day," says May.
If you would like to make reservations at Hennessy’s for Thanksgiving, please call 803-799-8280 or visit their website:
http://www.hennessyssc.com/
Hennessy’s Thanksgiving Menu:
Appetizers
Baked Brie 8.95
Topped with Honey and Pecans. Served with Fresh Fruit and Assorted Crackers
Shrimp Cocktail 7.50
Chilled Gulf Shrimp, Served with Spicy Cocktail Sauce
Oysters Rockefeller 8.25
Large Select Oysters baked with Spinach, Sambuca, Bechemel Sauce and Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
She Crab Soup 5.25
House salad 6.95
Mesculine Greens, Goat Cheese, Candied Pecans, Mandarin Oranges, Apples, May's Unique Vinaigrette
Iceberg Wedge 6.95
Crispy Bacon, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Buttermilk Blue Cheese Dressing
Entrees
Traditional Turkey Plate 16.95
Carved Turkey Breast, Bread Stuffing, House made Cranberry Sauce, Sauteed Vegetables, Turkey Gravy.
Surf and Turf 44.95
8oz Angus Filet Mignon with Bearnaise Sauce, Paired with a 6oz Lobster Tail, Served with Chive Mash Potatoes and Sauteed Vegetables
Angus Filet Mignon 26.95
8oz Angus Filet, Chive Mashed Potatoes, Sauteed Vegetables, Bearnaise Sauce
2 Inch Thick Pork Chop 18.95
Bone in Chop, Sweet Potato Puree, Brandy-Apple Compote
Braised Domestic Lamb Shank 24.95
Served with Adluh Grits, Ratatouille, and Lamb Jus
Jumbo Lump Crabcakes 19.95
Made with the Best Crabmeat Available. Served with Adluh Grits, Sauteed Vegetables. Drizzled with Remoulade Sauce
Crab Stuffed Day-Boat Flounder 19.95
Served with Adluh Grits, Sauteed Vegetables and Lemon-Thyme Buerre Blanc
Three Cheese Vegetable Nepolean 16.95
Puff Pastry Layered with Roma Tomatoes, Red Onion, Mushrooms,Cream Cheese, Goat Cheese and Provolone Cheese. Served Over Black Beans.
