From Boost to Bust: Local Businesses Navigate the NFL Draft’s Impact

Last year, the 2023 NFL Draft was held at Union Station in Kansas City. Local businesses had the opportunity to be in the center of all the excitement. For Jayaun Smith, owner of Sauced, being part of the event was a dream come true. Smith credited the NFL Business Connect Program for helping his business reach new heights. He recalled feeling an unreal moment when he received the call from the program.

Being in a prime location during the draft significantly boosted Sauced’s visibility and profitability. Smith noted a substantial increase in gross profit that allowed him to hire more employees and expand operations. The surge in orders and foot traffic on Fridays following the draft has been a significant blessing for him.

For Alex Pope, co-owner of Local Pig and Pigwich, being located along the streetcar route did not have as much impact on his businesses as he had hoped. While Local Pig’s restaurant saw more customers during the draft, their meat market experienced a decline in sales.

Pope advised businesses in future draft cities to carefully consider how the event might affect their operations and plan accordingly. He emphasized the importance of not overstocking perishable items and being prepared for potential changes in foot traffic patterns during large events like the NFL Draft.

Overall, while both businesses had different experiences with last year’s NFL Draft, they both agreed that being selected as a personal chef or having a business near such an exciting event was a unique opportunity that could benefit local businesses if planned correctly.