PMQ would like to thank all of those who responded to our request for information on how the attacks have affected sales. We would also like to thank those who have stepped up to the plate by donating food, sales proceeds and assistance to help get our country back on its feet after the shock from the events of the last few weeks. Here are some comments we received from pizza operators in the last few weeks.

From New York

Hello. I want to thank you for running the story about our relief efforts. It's important to know that representatives from our industry care about what is happening in our world and maybe our efforts will get someone else to assist in this tragic event.

Last week really took a toll on me. I was never one to really get upset about these tragedies but boy, did this hit home. When I see the look on the faces of these rescue workers, when I think that many are dedicating themselves even though many have wives and kids at home that need care too, it just really touches me. I've been walking around with a tear in my eye for a whole week. My wife, who is Scot's sister, was right in the middle of ground zero for 24 hours over the weekend. She was volunteering with other members of our church and because of some of our political contacts, we were able to get them right in. She has hundreds of stories but the one that really stands out is she was serving food to some firemen asking them what do they need, chicken, sandwiches, soda and one said he hasn't seen his wife for over 6 days and all he would really like is a hug. Someone to hold him for a change. She gave him a hug and all of a sudden about five or six firemen and police lined up for a hug. If that doesn't say it all, I don't know what does.

Thank you again for showing the level of care and responsibility this industry has. My hat goes off to you, Linda and the rest of your staff.

"It really makes you question why we all work these 70 plus hours a week when it can all end in an instant. It makes you questions why we don't spend more time with our kids. We had a major account in the World Trade Center, a 5,000 square foot pizza/restaurant/deli. Fortunately the owner, who was Muslim, survived and we are grateful for that. Despite all the chaos in Manhattan we made the deliveries to our customers, we took good care of them and we are proud of it. Vesuvio even endured tunnel inspections of their trucks that caused as much as a three hour delay each way."

CarryHot USA is undoubtedly the closest pizza related manufacturer to the Horror of September 11th. Our employees were watching the first fire and saw the second jet fly up the Hudson, turn and crash into the WTC. [We are located on the west side of Manhattan, 2 blocks from Madison Square Garden, the Javits Convention Center and just thirty blocks north of the World Trade Towers]. Our business and pride in being New Yorkers and Americans has continued to grow inspired by the images and intrepid heroes we see on TV, in the streets and are fortunate to have as our neighbors. All of us will be affected, united and stronger as we continue not to let this Horror get us down.

From Across the Country

Sales were down about 5 % last week but the weekend was strong. I think that the lower end restaurants like pizza parlors will actually become busier as opposed to upscale restaurants. That is what I have come to expect after 21 years and 12 stores later.

Business was off 5 or 10 percent, but everyone has to sit tight, things will turn around once everyone gets settled. It always does. It takes a few years to learn to be calm. It's hard, but everyone will be OK in the business community.

Fifty percent of my 75 accounts are owned by individuals of Indian and Pakistan cultures. I called many of my customers to get a first hand feel for the business trends and their concerns. I am pleased to see most are doing business as usual. Many saw a softer trend in sales over the past couple of weeks but their outlook, as well as mine, is good.

I also admire the potential of Americans as everyone is pulling together and not losing sight of what we value in America--regardless of our ethnic backgrounds and beliefs. Everyone was and is shocked by this horrific tragedy; everyone is somewhat "numbed" by the events and realities. I worry about my customers and the backlash they could face. Fortunately--people for the most are good-hearted, it is a very select few in most situations that tries to spoil things for the majority.

My Indian and other ethnic background customers are just that--MY CUSTOMERS and AMERICANS TOO in my eyes, I am proud and happy to be able to associate with them and everyone else who values the rights and privileges of being an American!

I am a vendor (Food Distributor) and our sales were down more than 5%. There were evenings when literally no cars were on the road. It's frightening, but we all must encourage the public that even though this was an isolated devastation, we must band together in picking up the economy. It's funny how the food manufacturers have been silent and have not responded by lowering the commodity markets accordingly.

Our Sales on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of that week were down about 10%. However, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights, people were tired of watching the horror on TV and came out. Our Weekend sales more than made up for any earlier losses.

We do not anticipate a tremendous loss as a result of this action. We are proudly displaying the flag at (our shop) and will continue to do so.

Our sales were down approx. 5% from we had expected had there been no attack. The factors involved in South MS were people staying home for more news, stocking up on foodstuffs, and a false rumor of gas stations raising prices (used up disposable income). Things have begun to recover in the following week. Thanks for everyone's work there.