Scampi's Mediterranean Cafe at 1507 West Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth would normally close for five days beginning Christmas Eve. Not this year.
"I just need those extra days, I need the cash flow," says owner Ann Diakis-Shaw. "We are going to be open Christmas Eve day until 2 o'clock."
Shaw said she's also going to be open the days after Christmas.
"I'm gonna be open Friday and Saturday evening, which typically, I would be closed," she said. "And I'm open New Year's Eve this year, and I don't typically open New Year's Eve."
Shaw said she's disappointed in not being able to give her employees more time with their families.
"Business has been down a great deal," she said. "I have people people that would eat (here more than) three and four times a week, that are eating with me once a week now. It's just what's happening to the restaurant industry as a whole."
Her husband, David Shaw, is president of the Tarrant County Restaurant Association. Many members, he says, are approaching the holidays differently this year, staying open when they might otherwise close.
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"They need the money, its end of year and you're trying to survive," he said.
North Texans looking for a place to eat will benefit the most.
"A lot of people want to close up their business and give folks time with their families," said Liz Holland, a Scampi's customer. "But to have (a) business that's going to be open -- there's a place to go and that'll be a lot of fun."
