Business & Tech

Candlelight Counter Service in New Rochelle

New Rochelle grocer Jean Lee keeps her business open without power.

Jean Lee sat behind the counter of New Heidi's Deli on Weyman Ave, reading a newspaper by candlelight on Wednesday.

"It's never, never, never been this bad," Lee said of the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Early this morning, she had to throw out all her milk and perishable products. A necessity that pained her and her regular customers.

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"They love my bacon, egg and cheese sandwich," Lee bragged. But she could only cook what she had on ice in her cooler.

All her fresh food inventory had to be thrown out lest someone get sick. A chance she was unwilling to take.

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"You serve bad food, they might not say anything, but they'll never come back," Lee mused. "I brought my own coffee maker down. I tell everybody I have coffee and tea. But my bacon and egg is the best."

Without lights in the store, Lee said she won't be able to keep her regular hours, but the New Rochelle grocer will keep the business she's owned for 11 years open, even without power.

"I usually open at 6, today I didn't get open until 7," Lee said. "I'll probably have to close at 3."


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