The NFL Draft of 2023 took place at Union Station in Kansas City, providing a unique opportunity for local businesses to be in the heart of all the action. Jayaun Smith, owner of Sauced, was one such business owner who credited the NFL Business Connect Program for helping him reach new heights. Smith remembered the excitement he felt when he received the call from the program, describing it as an unforgettable moment.
Being located in a prime location during the draft significantly boosted Sauced’s visibility and profitability. Smith noted a substantial increase in gross profit, which allowed him to hire more employees and expand his operations. The surge in orders and foot traffic on Fridays following the draft was a significant blessing for his business. For Smith, being selected as a personal chef for the draft was a dream come true, especially as a native of Kansas City. Seeing his business benefit from the draft experience made it even more special for him.
On the other hand, Alex Pope, co-owner of Local Pig and Pigwich, had a slightly different experience during the draft. Despite being located along the streetcar route, Pope found that the draft did not have as much of an 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 that overstocking perishable items should be avoided and businesses should be prepared for potential changes in foot traffic patterns during large events like the NFL Draft.
Overall, both Sauced and Local Pig benefited from being located near Union Station during the NFL Draft but had different experiences due to varying impacts on their operations.
