Summerfest benefits local businesses

MILWAUKEE-- Summerfest is exciting for those who go for the live music but local business owners also love it because of the sales boost.



As soon as gates open on Wednesday, local restaurants and bars like Club Charlies in the Historic Third Ward, reap the benefits.



\"We've been here for 5 years, so we felt the impact of Summerfest since we opened,\" said Melissa Hunter, bartender at Club Charlies.



\"Before and after people try to get full on food and drinks before they go to try to save money,\" Hunter added.



The big gig helped businesses in the Milwaukee area generate more than 187 million dollars, according to John Boler, Chief Marketing Officer at Summerfest.



Boler adds that the economic impact is due to diverse attendance at the festival.



\"They're coming from many places around the world and staying here in our great city... trafficking hotels, restaurants, shops\" said Bolen.



Shops like Stephanie Horne Boutique, located just steps away from Summerfest grounds.



\"It really gives us a lot of new business as far as new customers,\" said Tabitha Dirubba, Manager at Stephanie Horne Boutique.

Share this article: