CLEVELAND — Downtown Cleveland will come alive this weekend with sports and entertainment drawing in thousands of people.
But are businesses ready for the influx caused by major events?
“The energy downtown is just amazing this year," says Mary Haddad of Barrister's Deli.
The momentum in the city is building as Clevelanders prepare for Thursday's home game between the Browns and the Denver Broncos, the Cavaliers first home game of the season, and the weekend of Cleveland Marathon festivities. All of this also comes just one week out from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
"There’s going to be well over 100,000 people downtown," says Flannery's Pub General Manager Sean O'Donnell.
And while the hustle and bustle is sure to keep business flowing, some are concerned about the shortages and staffing issues spawned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We’re doing a little bit more with a little bit less,” says O'Donnell.
“Everybody comes in in the morning and then they go home at the end of the night," said Michael Boland, general manager of Mabel's BBQ, speaking on staff working longer hours. "Some of the products that we try to buy, you know sometimes we can’t get them as quickly as we’d like," Boland continued.
Businesses are managing best they can – stocking up heaving for the busy weekend ahead and say that they are finding it exciting to see the crowds finally come back.
"It kind of feel like life is starting to come back," says O'Donnell.
"It’s fun! We’re glad to give them whatever they need,” says Haddad.
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