The pandemic changed a lot about the service industry - both good, AND bad things. On the plus side, some restaurants now offer drive-thru alcohol, and the food and grocery delivery service is bigger and better than ever.

BUT, it also showed some businesses that they don't necessarily need to stay open ALL the time. Which means, 24-hour locations suffered, and we're still feeling that effect.

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Aside from some gas stations and dispensaries, it's tough to find a place open past 10 p.m. on weekdays, and midnight on the weekends. The typical person is asleep anyway, but for those who work odd shifts, or just can't sleep, it's nice to have options other than "What's in the cupboard."

I posed the question on our social media, if anyone knows of places that do still stay open 24 hours, and the answers were sparse. Most people just said they missed some of the places that USED to be open 24/7.

"I miss Meijer being open 24 hours" - Sara

"The Subway in Galesburg got me through working 3rds in the winter! Shout out to the one employee that was always there and would make me a pizza at 4 a.m." - Ben

"Taco Bell's. I miss when Taco Bell was open later than 11." Yes, there Really is a Kalamazoo Meme Page

"I miss Sweetwaters open 24/7." - Wendy

"Sweetwaters used to be a good start to a 4 a.m. run to Chicago for work." - Ezekiel

One person really hit it on the head, Chris, who said, "I miss ANY restaurant kitchen open past 9 p.m. Working second shift trying to sit down and eat later at night is almost impossible."

John also pointed out second-shifters can barely make it to Meijer or Walmart, too, before they close.

BUT, there is some relief, as a reddit thread in the same spirit got people talking about places that ARE still open.

 

Comment
by u/stewdebacon from discussion Places in kzoo and portage still open 24-7 but seriously open 24-7?
in kzoo

 

Comment
by u/jage9 from discussion Places in kzoo and portage still open 24-7 but seriously open 24-7?
in kzoo

 

Comment
by u/Matty_Michigan08 from discussion Places in kzoo and portage still open 24-7 but seriously open 24-7?
in kzoo

OF COURSE Denny's is.

So, thankfully, there are some options. There might not be as many these days, but for people like Chris, who work second shifts, the options may be limited, but if there's nothing in the fridge at home, there's at least something available... besides weed and gas station snacks.

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