Rain, cold bad for waterfront businesses

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's brand new River Walk restaurants sit empty, as does Castaways at North Avenue Beach. The rain has been less than kind to business owners who rely on good weather to draw in the crowds.

"Business is not what we expected unfortunately, due to the weather. We have not done anywhere near the numbers we need to be doing," Steve Pelissero, general manager at Castaways, said.

Numbers are also way down at Wheel Fun Rentals, a bicycle company that opened at North Avenue on Memorial Day.

"This is the main beach. People come from the suburbs. We are thinking, oh, yeah, it's going to be great. But . . . ," Chris Hanley said.

Constant rain and cold lakefront temperatures have kept many people from the beaches of Lake Michigan. But not Sheri Lippman and her daughter, who were determined to have some fun even in the rain.

"I took the day off weeks ago. I'm determined to have a daughter/mommy day today. In order to take her to the Art Institute she is making me do something active outside," Lippmann said.

Wendella Boats said pre-booked tours help their business, but the weather can be challenging when water levels go up.

"When it rains so hard, so fast, the weather goes up but bridges stay the same," Craig Wenokur, vice president/GM of Wendella Boats, said.