Smile News: Community Comes Together to Help New Fall River Business Reopen
As Massachusetts was covered in a heavy blanket of snow, businesses across the state had to halt all operations, shifting their focus to cleanup. Cleanup after this storm has been particularly difficult as the bitter temperatures have not allowed any of the snow to melt, and in urban areas, there is just not enough space to stash the piles of snow. For small businesses, closure during these storms can be extremely difficult. Closure can be especially difficult for new small businesses trying to build traction in the area, leaving many scrambling to keep up with cleanup.
Small business owner Susie Amaral can definitely attest to the troubles of closure and cleanup. Amaral, owner of the Alianca Restaurant in New Bedford, has recently expanded into the Fall River scene with a new takeout restaurant, the Alianca Platter House. Amaral hopes this new eatery will become one of the top choices for takeout lunch. The closure has been hard on her new restaurant as being open as much as possible is critical to becoming an established habit within an area.
As Amaral began to face the reality of being unable to reopen the following day due to the towering snowbanks that sat in front of her store, she was suddenly granted a solution. A front-end loader began dismantling the mountainous banks and clearing the entrance to her store. Amaral was overjoyed; with the banks cleared, she could reopen with ease the following day.
Amaral wanted to thank this good Samaritan for their selfless deed over a hot bowl of soup or a steaming platter, but they left as quickly as they arrived. After spreading the word throughout the community, Amaral finally located the stranger and was able to express her gratitude. Upon speaking to the driver, she learned that it was a team effort by her neighbors. Amaral went to Facebook to share her appreciation for the amazing community she is surrounded by. The simple kindness of this front-end loader is an important reminder that in a world that seems to be full of so much hate, empathy and care for others still exist within our communities.
