The days following last week’s snowstorm have been frustrating for Smith Gourmet Deli manager, Ahmed Shayef.

“We don’t get a reasonable response from ConEd,” he said. 

On Sunday, the phone rings. It’s an order for the deli. 

“Oh I’m sorry, ‘mam,” he told the caller. “We have a power outage and the deli part is closed for now.” 

Shayef says he is disappointing loyal customers. Thursday’s snowstorm took out the high voltage power at his deli, which means there is no refrigeration and no grill. The salad bar is cleared of vegetables, the coffeemaker off, and chilled shelves usually stocked with diary products are vacant. He threw away several large bags of spoiled food. 

“If you feel, they are warm,” Shayef explained while touching a beverage. “I had to turn off the fan, it just blows hot air.”

Lights remain on because that’s a lower voltage, but without refrigeration, Shayef says the deli is losing thousands of dollars worth in dairy products, fruits and vegetables. And with no grill, customers are walking out.

When NY1 reached to ConEd, the utility company said the outage is likely caused by salt water draining into underground structures. 

Shayef says he lost power last year and the year before, also related to weather events.

“Here we go again. An issue as small as snowstorm or a little snow, we get an outage,” he said.

This year’s outage is made tougher by the pandemic as business is already down. Shayef grimaces as customers walk out of the deli upon realizing no hot sandwiches can be served. 

ConEd worked Sunday morning, restoring power by 11:30 a.m., much to the relief of Shayef. 

“I’m very excited I can be back to work now,” Shayef said.