Milwaukee sees mixed economic impact from hosting Republican National Convention

The Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, city authorities were optimistic about the potential economic impact it would bring to local businesses. The prospect of an economic boost was presented as a compelling argument to rally support and enthusiasm for the event.

As the convention unfolded, it became evident that the anticipated economic benefits materialized to varying degrees for different businesses. Some enterprises experienced a noteworthy surge in their activities, with full charter buses, packed hotels, and bustling bars attesting to the influx of delegates. In contrast, a sense of disillusionment loomed over certain stores and restaurants as they reported a stark lack of foot traffic.

Cheraty Par's Experience

Cheraty Par, the proprietor of an 'Awi Sushi' establishment in close proximity to the heavily secured convention site, lamented the minimal presence of her regular clientele, attributing it to the prevalence of remote work. Despite proactively increasing her staff during the convention's commencement and distributing menus on the sidewalks, her revenue during lunch service plummeted to a mere tenth of the usual figures.

Contrasting Scenarios

Conversely, businesses such as 'The New Fashioned,' strategically situated in the vicinity of the Fiserv Forum, experienced a notable upsurge in customer turnout. The restaurant, strategically located near the venue of the convention's main stage and the home of the Milwaukee Bucks basketball team, was abuzz with such an unprecedented influx of patrons that even the marketing director found themselves tending bar to cater to the high demand.

The divergence in outcomes among local businesses in response to the Republican National Convention underscores the nuanced nature of the event's economic ramifications. While some establishments reaped the benefits of heightened activity, others grappled with a stark downturn in their usual operations, serving as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and uneven impact of large-scale events on the local economy.