With an estimated 20,000 extra spectators from out of the area bringing in approximately $31 million, local business owners are pleased with both the economic boom and the atmosphere surrounding the 2012 Olympic Trials.
Two local restaurant owners are elated with the results of the influx in tourist and Eugene-native traffic during the Trials.
Stephanie Kimmel — owner of Marche Provisions, a cafe — said her business has seen exactly what they had been expecting, as far as increased sales go. She noted that her East 5th Avenue location receives a lot of business from fans, athletes and others staying at the Inn at the 5th, a new hotel just blocks from her restaurant.
“I would say for us that it’s been how we expected with a lot of fans, athletes, entourages and media members as well,” Kimmel said. “The traffic from local hotels has been great, with a lot of business at breakfast in the restaurant throughout the day into the bar at night.”
She explained that despite being closer in proximity to the Trials, the Marche Museum Cafe is not doing as well as her main location.
“It’s a quiet time there, actually, which it usually is right around now,” she said. “It’s holding true to that pattern.”
Another local business feeling the economic boom of the Trials is just around the corner from all the action. Chris Hogle, owner of Studio One Cafe, said the atmosphere of the Trials is much different this year than in 2008. His business has been riding a wave of traffic that started back in the University’s Dead Week@@checked@@ for them, continuing on through finals into graduation and the Trials.
He said that more spectators are choosing to enter Eugene’s neighborhoods to find places to eat while locals are continuing to frequent his restaurant, whereas business saw a decrease during the Trials four years ago.
“Last time, it was dead; this year, it’s completely different, at least in my neighborhood,” he said. “There are people walking around everywhere; it’s crazy as opposed to four years ago.”
Hogle said he believes the Trials are much more inviting to locals this year and has also helped get tourists out into the community to see what Eugene has to offer. Whether it be the festival atmosphere or simply a larger amount of traffic, local restaurant owners are excited the Trials are having such a satisfying outcome on business.