Beach businesses hope for big summer

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - Another Memorial Day weekend is here, not only bringing in people from all over, but also capturing images of hope.

"We're done with the pre-season," said Jay McLure from Old Times Photos on Atlantic Avenue. "Preseason games are done with. It's now the beginning of the real season."

Old Time Photos is a staple at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Since 1979, they've provided an everlasting way for visitors to remember their trip, but for the last couple years business has been anything but memorable.

"It's a bit nerve-racking, especially when there is not many people back here and you can see people walking by you're like 'wow we have to get busy," McLure added.

The optimism of the new summer and new business stretches up and down Atlantic Avenue.

"It is about to get crazy, but we do want to keep it clean," Cici Ghattas said.

"You know when the summer season comes the tourists come, the locals are here and the Oceanfront is really the freshest place to be," Ghattas added.

Ghattas and her sister opened Ry, with the hope their Mediterranean style menu and martinis, keep customers coming back for more.

Getting off to a good start would be nice, but keep in mind this is just the start.

"We definitely use it as a barometer, but if we don't have a great weekend, we still strive for a good summer," McLure said.