DNC in Chicago: Some Restaurants Left Hungry for Expected Business Boom

Photo byBenoit DebaixonUnsplash

(CHICAGO) In July, Democratic National Convention (DNC) officials predicted 50,000 visitors to Chicago and a $150 million boost to the economy. But are restaurants feeling the bump in business thanks to the convention?

The first day of the DNC occurred this Monday, August 19th. But local restaurants have told WBBM Newsradio they are not seeing an increase in business. Marcel Rodriguez, manager of the Pittsfield Cafe in the Loop told WBBM, “We were expecting more people, honestly."

Scott Weiner, co-founder of Fifty/50 Group told Eater Chicago, "I would say about six months ago we started to hit the panic button a little bit because we noticed that while we had booked some events for during the DNC, we definitely didn’t feel like we were pacing to any of our budgets."

The reason could be convention attendees tend to stick to downtown restaurants. However, downtown isn't getting a boost in sales because many workers have chosen to work from home to avoid the crowds. The result -- commuters sitting this one out and working from home may be canceling any boost in revenue from the convention.

Michelle Durpetti, owner of River North Gene & Georgetti told Eater, "I think Chicagoans have grown fatigued by various festivals, large gatherings, etc. They tend to disconnect from the city, in particular, when they know a big event is coming.”

However, it's not all bad news. Block Club Chicago reported Gail Doherty, manager of the Billy Goat Tavern near the United Center told them business is up by 85%. And the West Loop coffee shop, Froth and Bunker, told Block Club Chicago, "we had our busiest day ever."

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