MADISON (WKOW) -- Blizzards mean beans for Willy Street Co-op customers.
"You see an uptick of people who want to make soup," said Mike Byrne, store manager of Willy Street Co-op West.
On the eve of Tuesday's winter storm, where there are usually soup essentials stand only a few cans of black beans remaining. A lot of people seem to be making sure they have some supplies to make home cooked meals if they're snowed in.
"We're already up about 10 to 15 percent in sales," Byrne said, comparing figures to other Mondays without severe weather on the horizon. He also pointed to a nearly empty basket of button mushrooms and shelf of eggs.
Troy and Sara Guglielmina, who were shopping at Metcalfe's on Mineral Point Rd, were planning on making chili on Tuesday. They also picked up fresh produce to lighten up the hearty meal.
"We have salad mix and beets, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, and yogurt," Troy Guglielmina said.
People assume the vendors may not be able to make it to the stores on snowy days, so they stock up on fresh produce, according to Byrne.
Letesa Isler was shopping with her daughter at Willy Street Co-op, and picked up breakfast items, as well as her daughter's favorite cupcakes.
For a more mainstream grocery store such as Metcalfe's, managers made sure the amount of prepared foods was about twice what it usually is before the storm, according to assistant store director Matt Lauderdale.
"It always amazes me. You'd think it's the sign of the apocalypse or something. People are refilling their pantries. It's more than just bread and eggs. It's really everything off the shelves," Lauderdale said.
This includes certain alcoholic beverages.
"We sell a lot of beer before snow storms. I have no idea why," Byrne said.
He guesses that it's because people don't have anywhere to go in a storm and don't have to drive.
But after all, "this is Wisconsin," Byrne said.
