Local restaurants, shops reflect on this year’s Vermont City Marathon and Memorial Day affecting their businesses
BURLINGTON, Vt. —
Local restaurants and shops reflect on this year’s Vermont City Marathon and Memorial Day, affecting their businesses.
“It’s just great to have Church Street busy and everyone bopping in,” said Virginia Farley, executive director of sales operations at Outdoor Gear Exchange.
Businesses around Burlington call this weekend one of the busiest of the season.
“Friday and Saturday, we sold out both nights,” said Amy Bernhardt, the co-owner of Leunig’s Bistro.
RunVermont’s executive director estimated the marathon and relay would bring up to $3.3 million to the city. Bernhardt estimates Leunig’s Bistro hit exactly last year’s numbers this weekend.
“Next year we’ll probably open a little bit early,” Bernhardt said. “A lot of people were looking for brunch on Church Street because they’re in town, and there is not much to find for food on Monday mornings.”
Not every restaurant was as lucky.
“We had two people come in all of yesterday,” said Tabitha Beckett, a waitress at Spot on the Dock. “It was raining, and it was gross and cold.”
This weekend’s weather didn’t help some of the seasonal spots whose biggest selling point is their location and view.
“Not quite what we wanted, but you know, spirits were high, people were out, and people were using us for shelter, which was great,” said Ed Myers, the general manager of Burlington Bay. “It felt crowded at times just because our deck didn’t really get used.”
Burlington Bay is right along the marathon route and has been open for 26 years. Myers said he’s hoping the summer is more successful than the past few days.
“We have something that works, and we run with it,” Myers said. “We’re just excited for the summer, and hopefully the sun stays out because we really need it.”
But the rain didn’t hurt outdoor recreation stores, like Outdoor Gear Exchange, as much.
“We always get lots of folks coming in for some last-minute goods and rain jackets, in the case of this weekend,” Farley said.
Farley said the marathon helps drive up sneaker sales and draw in motivated customers.
“People, myself included, are trying to inspire themselves for future races down the road,” Farley said.
Retailers said one of the more popular items they see people buy the day after the marathon is running vests, so they can prepare for upcoming races.
Dining and Cooking