CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Many businesses near Grant Park are getting an expected boost from Lollapalooza this weekend, while others are actually seeing a decrease.
On Wabash and Monroe in the Loop, Flat Top Grill manager Armando told WBBM that they have been looking forward to the extra business.
"In any big event, we always schedule our product and our teammates and make sure we're fully staffed and fully-stocked on food as well."
Quick serve food like burgers and pizza seem to be the most popular nearby after-hours choices for festivals goers, with many businesses staying open later than usual.
Local bars have been getting a decent boost as well, including Miller's Pub, located at Adams and Monroe Streets. Co-owner Andy Gallios told WBBM that, in addition to the boost in business, the crowds this year seemed better behaved.
"It's just nice to see all the people downtown, enjoying our great city," Gallios said. "It seemed like not many problems, and everybody was happy and having a good time. I feel like I didn't hear anything bad, which is a nice change, I guess, from the last few years."
However, some gourmet and specialty shops reported a decrease in sales this weekend noting that many of their regulars may have decided to skip the crowds.
"Unfortunately, we did not see a boost," said Teresa Ging, Founder and CEO of Sugar Bliss. "Actually, it probably made our sales down."
She added: "[Customers] just did not want to be down here for the festivals."
Ging even tried staying open an extra day when NASCAR was in town, but it didn’t end up being worth it. She said they get a lot of business when conventions and conferences come through and noted that inside the festival, it’s a different story.
"We've done the festival as a vendor; that's been great," she said.
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