‘Ghost town’: Some Milwaukee businesses say week of RNC has been a bust

A boom for some. A bust for others.

Organizers for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee said the four-day event would bring an estimated $200 million in economic impact to the city.

But Emilie Krueger, an employee at Discourse Coffee in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood, said it seems like the convention has been a drain on the shop’s business.

“I think we’ve had the slowest couple of days that we’ve had since we opened,” Krueger said Thursday. “It just feels like a ghost town.” 

Krueger said they’ve served a few delegates in town for the convention, as well as some media members covering the event. But their regulars are nowhere to be found.

“The regular Milwaukee folks left town or something. I’m not sure where they are,” she said.

Angelena Riedijk, the general manager at The Spice House inside the Milwaukee Public Market, echoed that sentiment — at least for the first day of the convention. 

“Monday was a ghost town,” Riedijk said. “It seemed like there was a blizzard outside, cause nobody was out here and even the traffic was just more focused towards the RNC and getting into the perimeter.” 

On Thursday morning, there were a few people wandering in and around the market, a popular tourist spot. Riedijk said business has slowly picked up as the week has gone on, but she said her sales are still down.

While the RNC has drawn thousands of visitors, most of the delegates, politicians and media there for the event have remained close to the convention. Meanwhile, Milwaukee residents and regular visitors have stayed clear, looking to avoid the hassles of security and traffic while the event was underway. 

Adam Siegel, owner of Lupis and Iris, a popular downtown restaurant, said business during the convention was so bad he decided to close for the day Wednesday. Siegel said he had fewer than 10 reservations booked that day.

“We weren’t seeing the business walking in like we were told or thought that we would see,” Siegel said.

Siegel said that impacted 30 employees, including some who rely on tips.

“If there’s no guests in the restaurant, then you can’t have employees in the restaurant,” he said. “It made it really hard.”

But some restaurants and shops closer to Fiserv Forum say the last few days have been booming.

Emily Conard, manager of Best Place Coffee and Spirits, said business was “bonkers” on Monday. She said she’s served coffee to delegates, journalists, locals and law enforcement.

“Sunday was pretty busy and then Monday, when everything started, it was bonkers in the morning. In a good way, obviously,” Conard said.

On Tap, a bar and restaurant a few blocks away from Fiserv, has also seen an uptick. Keanen Kopplin, general manager at On Tap, said the hotel and restaurant have seen “a lot of action,” including people booking the space for events.

“Our team worked really hard to make sure that we put a lot of pieces in place ahead of this, and it’s really paid its dividends,” Kopplin said.

Delegates have events scheduled throughout the day. Lola Sheldon-Galloway and Steven E. Galloway, delegates from Montana, said they’ve been busy most days and haven’t had time to check out the city.

“Seems like a beautiful city. We really haven’t had a chance to see much,” Steven said.

Omar Shaikh, co-owner of 3rd Street Market Hall, has been a proponent of the event coming to the city. He said business at the food hall has been steady so far.

“I’ve talked to a lot of restaurateurs and some are unhappy and some are happy. And that’s unfortunate, because I really wanted everyone to be happy,” he said.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has acknowledged that some businesses have been slower than anticipated during the event. But he said the media drawn by the convention and the number of visitors it’s attracted will help the city grow and draw more events in the future.

And he said he’s heard from some visitors who plan to extend their visit in the city or come back when the convention is over.

“That is really music to my ears,” Johnson said.