The 2023 NFL Draft took place at Union Station in Kansas City, bringing excitement to local businesses in the area. Jayaun Smith, owner of Sauced, was thrilled to be selected as a personal chef for the draft and credits the NFL Business Connect Program with helping his business grow exponentially.
Smith describes the experience of being a part of the first draft in Kansas City as amazing. Being in the midst of all the action helped put his business on the map and significantly increased gross profits. Fridays are now their busiest days due to the increased foot traffic and exposure from the draft.
On the other hand, Alex Pope, co-owner of Local Pig and Pigwich in City Market, did not see the same boost in business during the draft. While their restaurant saw an increase in customers, their meat market was much quieter than usual, only at about 5% of a normal week in April. Despite stocking up on items early, Pope advises businesses in future draft locations to consider how people will leave the event and plan accordingly. Don’t purchase too many perishable products that may go to waste.
