DETROIT – The Detroit Auto Show is drawing large crowds, and local businesses are feeling the positive impact. Hotels, restaurants and bars across the city are seeing more faces and increased business during the event.
Many visitors travel from out of town for the auto show, and local spots invite them to experience the Motor City’s hospitality.
From early morning brunches to evening drinks, Detroit’s eateries and pubs are ready to serve.
Candace Lilly, manager of Sugah Please, said, “We love to see guests come in from in town, out of town, whatever. We love them.”
She added that the restaurant has staffed up and stocked up on products to meet demand and noted their coordination with local hotels.
“We’ve also been working with our local hotels like the Pontchartrain, the Cambria, and the Godfrey,” she said. “Finding out what’s their capacity, what’s their numbers for everyone that has been making reservations just for this auto show.”
Over at McShane’s Irish Pub, manager Rita Cazares said they are ready for the influx of visitors.
“Having that foot traffic here. We’re like ready. Overstaffed kind of, getting ready to make sure we accommodate everybody that wants to come around.”
Cazares pointed out that January and February are usually slower months, so the auto show helps turn that around.
“The auto show being in January again is definitely a bonus for everybody involved, I think downtown and the surrounding area. It’s just good to see Detroit, rising and shining.”
The Detroit Auto Show runs through Sunday, Jan. 25.