Retailers Assess Katrina Damage

NEW YORK CITY-National chains are assessing the damage done to their stores in the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Katrina, and some companies are issuing reports saying that many of their properties in the region will be closed indefinitely. Due to the hazardous conditions in affected locales, retailers are often unable to determine what damage has taken place.

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, based in New Orleans, is temporarily moving its headquarters to Orlando as a result of the storm. The company’s two local restaurants sustained wind and flood damage, and there is no timeline for their reopening. Plans to open a restaurant on Sept.1 in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, MS were put on hold until next year, as that resort was hit hard by Katrina.

AFC Enterprises, the Atlanta-based operator of Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits, has closed 95 to 100 of their units in the Gulf Coast due to power loss and flooding. Of those, 36 company-owned units in the New Orleans area are closed.