Missouri Restaurants Report Customer Decline During World Cup

WHO:

KMBC - Missouri Restaurants Association conducted the survey.

KMBC - Derich Carlson, owner of Blvd Tavern.

KMBC - Danisa Pinto, server at La Paella Mix.

WHAT:

KMBC - The Missouri Restaurant Association stated that many businesses hope the city can use the survey results to improve the outlook for small businesses during future events.

KMBC - Derich Carlson expressed, "Do we all wish that it would have been a little bit busier? Yes. I definitely wouldn't say that I regret that it came to Kansas City."

KMBC - An overall majority of surveyed restaurants stated that the World Cup was a valuable opportunity despite the negative impact on business and revenue.

KMBC - Derich Carlson stated, "We were kind of led to believe that it was going to be like the entire six weeks. And it was more so like the day before and like the day after, and not on match day."

KMBC - Carlson mentioned that they did receive business from out-of-town travelers during the Cup, but local customers were less frequent.

KMBC - Over half of the surveyed restaurants reported lower customer turnout during the World Cup.

KMBC - Nearly six out of ten restaurants indicated that the World Cup had an overall negative impact on business and revenue.

KMBC - Blvd Tavern experienced less business than in previous years during the World Cup season.

KMBC - La Paella Mix reported an increase in customers, benefiting from both local and international visitors.

WHERE:

KMBC - Blvd Tavern is located in the Crossroads area of Kansas City.

KMBC - La Paella Mix is situated in the City Market of Kansas City.

WHEN:

KMBC - The World Cup event took place over a six-week period.

WHY:

KMBC - Carlson noted that many Kansas City locals avoided the area due to traffic concerns during the World Cup.

KMBC - Derich Carlson noted that local customers avoided the area due to traffic concerns during the World Cup.

KMBC - Danisa Pinto mentioned that their restaurant gained visibility by sharing their support for Spain's World Cup team online.

HOW:

KMBC - Danisa Pinto stated, "We got a little bit more relevant, and people found out about us, then they just decided to come celebrate with us."

KMBC - Blvd Tavern experienced a decline in local customer turnout, while La Paella Mix attracted more visitors by promoting their connection to Spain's team.

The Missouri Restaurant Association has expressed optimism that the city will utilize survey results to enhance the outlook for small businesses during future events. Derich Carlson shared his thoughts, saying, "Do we all wish that it would have been a little bit busier? Yes. I definitely wouldn't say that I regret that it came to Kansas City." Many local businesses are looking forward to improvements that could boost their success in the future.