NEWS

For some businesses, Monday is shaping up to be a black and gold holiday as employees come down with sudden cases of Who Dat flu and baby sitters become scarce. A number of firms, saying they want their employees to be able to celebrate the game regardless of its outcome, made plans to remain closed Monday.

Other businesses, particularly those that sell Saints merchandise or products that showcase the New Orleans spirit, will be rolling up their sleeves and heading in early for what they expect to be a busy Monday. Greg Dombourian, president of the Magazine Merchants Association and owner of Dombourian Rugs, said none of his employees objected when he announced plans to keep the store closed on Monday.

"I went to the NFC game and came in late on Monday. So I decided it would be appropriate to just close and celebrate the Saints’ victory," Dombourian said.

Dombourian’s decision to close his doors was perhaps easier than some. His business employs just three people, and Dombourian answers to himself.

ASI, which is based in Harahan, went to great lengths to plan its Monday closure.

The company recorded a voice message for all callers to hear, put up signs in each of its branches and posted an announcement about its closure on the ASI Web site.

Abita Brewing Co.’s plan to close its St. Tammany operation on Monday also required logistical effort.

The brewing company was open on Saturday to make up for closing on Monday, company president David Blossman said. The brewery is normally closed for production on Saturday, although the visitors center remains open for tours. This week, production took place on Saturday so that employees could celebrate the Super Bowl without the worry of having to report to work Monday morning.

"Our guys got together and we worked it out so we could have the day off," Blossman said.

But while some businesses will be closed, others are looking forward to going into work on Monday.

Jann Frenner, owner of Fleur d’ Orleans on Magazine Street, says closing on the Monday after the Super Bowl is not even an option for her.

"We’re going to be open and helping the city celebrate," Frenner said. "All the visitors in the city will be excited and want to shop that day, so we’re going to put on our best face and stay open."

Sam Farnet, owner of Joey K’s restaurant on Magazine Street and vice president of the Magazine Merchants Association, says he is playing the weekend by ear before deciding what he will do on Monday.But most likely, he says, he’ll open his doorson Monday so that customers have a place to come and either celebrate or sulk.