Olympics

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Permalink Reply by Steve Paterson on April 4, 2009 at 7:03pm

No personal experience with the big O, but similar situations (US Open, Superbowl, etc)

The short answer is 'it depends'.

Obviously, location is HUGE!!!!!....but not critical. (If you play your cards right)

IMHO, your first priority is to figure out how to feed the athletes. Be as creative as possible to get them to come eat in your restaurant. Become a stalker if you must.

If they like your food, service, convenient location, etc...they will return and hopefully often.
Remember, they are on the road.

They will bring crowds and generate interest in your restaurant.
Keep your digicam handy if/when they do show up. Take pics...video. (be humble and unintrusive, careful here)

Blog about it during the Games. You'll get a ton of hits!

The tourists will find you, as you become the hotspot.

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Permalink Reply by Bryon on August 7, 2009 at 1:18pm

Did the olympic trials last summer for track & field and the USA Track Championships this summer and had a huge success. The in is with the Athletes, Sponsors & Volunteers. The areas around the venue didn't get big business since everyone was focused on the event itself. Play it right and be prepared to peel staff back after the first couple day. Temp staff is the way to go.

Bryon

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Permalink Reply by Patrick O on August 7, 2009 at 8:39pm

Gord,

I had some experience years ago with the Miss Universe pageant in Trinidad and the event generated business a couple of weeks in advance, moreso for the media people and determining the logistics for where/when things were to happen. But you must remember, it wasn't the Olympics.

Also, security will be evident weeks, if not a couple of months before the event as the security force determines locations to set up. Remember, an event of this magnitude will generate a lot of interest, locally and internationally, so be ready to have your game face on and have your staff fully trained and expectations for some late nights.
I would agree with Bryon and go with temp staff as your regular staff wouldn't appreciate losing hours to a temp if the business isn't there.

Good luck and I wish I were there for the big show!

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