ALPINE, Calif. (KGTV) — San Diego County is expected to experience cooler, windier, below-average temperatures and an increased chance of rain over the next few days as the work week begins.
Local businesses in mountain communities are hoping the colder weather will bring in more customers.
Franca’s, which has been in business for more than 40 years, changed management about a year ago. The new owners said they are looking forward to cooler temperatures as they anticipate an increase in foot traffic.
“I think people go there more often just to get out of the house,” said Chris Nunez, a regular at Franca’s Italian Kitchen and Bar in Alpine. “We have excellent heating, air conditioning, and the weather in the Alps is very nice all year round. But yeah, I think we’ll be going to work more often in the winter.”
As temperatures get colder in East County, Franca co-owner Domenic Donato is looking forward to serving more customers like Nunez.
“In the summer there is no wait time, but in the winter there is a 20 to 30 minute wait time,” Donato said. “I think it’s just the cold weather.”
Donato attributes the expected increase in customer numbers to colder weather, higher volume and the allure of the holiday season.
“When the weather gets colder, people just gravitate toward warmer food,” Donato said. “Plates, pasta, all that kind of stuff. And like I said, families are in town for the holidays, so that’s why business is busier this time of year, at least in my opinion.”
Donato became co-owner of the restaurant about a year ago, continuing his family’s legacy. He’s looking forward to what the holiday season will bring.
As for Nunez, he has been visiting Franca’s home since before the new management took over.
“I think they’ve been open for over 40 years now,” he said. “I’ve been at Alpine for 22 years, so I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. It’s a place where the whole family gathers.”
Donato said hot dishes like lasagna and fettuccine alfredo are popular with customers during the colder months.
