In 2023, the NFL Draft took place at Union Station in Kansas City, providing a prime location for local businesses to experience the excitement of the event. Jayaun Smith, owner of Sauced, credits the NFL Business Connect Program with helping his business grow exponentially. The opportunity to be in the midst of the draft helped put his business on the map, increasing gross profits significantly and allowing him to hire more staff.
Smith, a Kansas City native, was thrilled to be selected as a personal chef for the draft. He describes the experience of being a part of the first draft in Kansas City as amazing. The increased foot traffic and exposure has been a blessing for his business, with Fridays now being their busiest days.
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.
