DNC aims to include neighborhood restaurants
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Democratic National Convention officials reckon the event could generate $150 to $200 million in local revenue for the city this summer, with a good chunk in food and hospitality spending.
Why it matters: Even if these estimates are inflated — and some say they are — the event still presents a chance for Chicago restaurants to shine on a national and international stage and take in a lot of money doing it.
Zoom in: Axios recently checked out an event to introduce DNC party planners to local food businesses owned by women and people of color, including:
- Bronzeville's Brown Sugar Bakery
- Austin's Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken
- Humboldt Park's Ola Sangria
- Yum Dum Asian food truck
- Food For Thought catering
- Hermosa's Tacotlan Catering.
What they're saying: "I feel like this is our coming out party; I'm so geeked," Charmaine Rickette, second-generation owner of Uncle Remus, told Axios.
- "Brown Sugar represents that Chicago life is sweet," owner Stephanie Hart told Axios, surveying a table of her famous caramel cakes and candies. "Chicago was once the candy capital, and we're trying to bring that back."
What's next: Party planners, including Aurora Austriaco, who was at the event representing the AAPI Victory Fund, will be finalizing details for hundreds of DNC events in coming weeks.
- "I love that we can choose from such an inclusive group," she told Axios. "I think our people are going to be impressed with what Chicago has to offer."