With the Republican National Convention less than three months away, businesses as far south as Akron are staffing up and planning to serve thousands of people.
“Once the RNC happens, I’m sure we’re going to do bar-closing time, so 2:30 for the most part but I’m sure a lot of places are going to be open until 4 a.m. as well," said Josh Kabat, owner of Cleveland Pickle on Euclid Avenue downtown. "It all depends if my wife lets me or not to stay open until 4 a.m.," he said jokingly.
Kabat said he will double his staff during convention week, not only to serve people who walk into his shop but to also fulfill a catering contract to feed truck drivers and laborers.
“They usually need breakfast, lunch and dinner,” he added.
“We have extra vehicles on order, we have extra staff on order," said Nancy Brodie, owner of TL Worldwide Transportation in Akron.
In preparation for the event, Brodie said they are ordering 30 more vehicles because their entire fleet of 80 is already booked. They are also increasing the number of drivers by 40 percent.
"We're excited, we're ready," she said.
Brodie said a bulk of their business during the RNC will be transporting corporate clients and their guests to and from parties at night. They expect to do 30% more business.
“The convention is a great week," said Jennifer Kramer of Destination Cleveland, the city's tourism and visitor bureau. "There will be a lot of money spent here. It’s not going to be enough for someone to retire after the week is over but we do know there will be an increase in business and revenue during the week and also leading up to it.”
Kramer said a good way for businesses to get business is to sign up to be a supplier on the Host Committee's website (https://www.2016cle.com/become-a-supplier).
"We give this [information] on a regular basis to the committee on arrangements where they are really the decision makers on what money will be spent, where and how," she added.
"We're very eager," said Kabat.
