For seasonal business owners it's crucial to have a booming business during the Summer months... especially this year, because when the fall rolls around, they have no choice but to close their doors for another season. "As soon as it gets cold, below 50 degrees, that's when our business starts to slow off to the point where it's not profitable to stay open," said Bruce Krupke, owner of Putter's Paradise on Erie Boulevard. When you're only open a few months out of the year, it's essential to pay attention to every dollar. "Every year we try to keep that budget in line and try not to overspend, and especially this year, we're watching our numbers very closely because the economy is hurting a little bit. We're concerned, but as long as the business is coming in, I can continue to hold onto the budget I've prepared."

Eileen Gannon, the owner of Gannon's Isle Ice Cream attempted to stay open year round for the first two years, but it didn't bring in enough money. "The first year was really good," said Gannon. "January and February were awesome, there was no snow, it was 40 degrees, so we thought, 'Oh we're geniuses, this is going to work,' but then after that, true Syracuse weather showed up and when there's snow, this is a lonely place to be." To maintain cash flow during the winter months, Gannon puts aside a certain amount of money each week during the Summer.

Seasonal business owners are especially feeling the pinch from the suffering economy. Certainly rising sugar and milk prices would affect an ice cream parlor, but even fuel is costing them. "Everything we get delivered has a charge on it," said Gannon. "A lot of stuff we buy comes in a refrigerated freight so that's really expensive." On the flip side, Putter's Paradise has seen an increase in business because fuel prices are making people stay closer to home. "We think they are taking one or two night trips out each week.They're finding different things to do like mini golf and batting cages and outdoor activities locally, which is helping me this year," said Krupke.

For seasonal business owners, it's all about sticking to the budget and saving money for the off-season. But the winter isn't just an extended vacation. There is plenty of repairing, cleaning and promotion to keep them busy until the next season rolls around.