.@journalsentinel: 'RNC business lower than anticipated for many downtown bars, restaurants and venues'
Even more restaurant and bar owners (Lowlands Group, RWB Milwaukee, Old German Beer Hall) going on the record now… https://t.co/HJZgRadKbN
— Dan Shafer (@DanRShafer) June 28, 2024
Per the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal, “RNC business lower than anticipated for many downtown bars, restaurants and venues”:
Mere weeks away from the Republican National Convention, few bars and restaurants near Fiserv Forum and elsewhere downtown are reporting bookings for private events during the four-day convention, a major letdown for business owners who had been promised or expected big business.
The Pabst Theater Group does not have any bookings at four of its venues, including the Riverside Theater and Pabst Theater. Upscale downtown restaurants, such as Amilinda and Lupi and Iris, have few to no bookings or reservations for the four days of the RNC. And many bars and restaurants on North King Drive don’t have any bookings for private events, including Who’s On Third, Oak Barrel, Third Street Tavern, LP and Old German Beer Hall.
“It’s disappointing for us but I am, as always, more concerned about the city overall,” said Gary Witt, CEO of the Pabst Theater Group. “After all that spiking the football that was done after getting the RNC, you’re going to see that a lot of restaurants and bars and coffee shops are going to be impacted negatively.”
The lack of bookings this close to the convention is disappointing for owners of bars, restaurants and event venues, some of whom signed contracts with the nonpartisan MKE 2024 Host Committee to hold their venues for convention-related bookings. The Republican National Convention, set to take place July 15-18 at Fiserv Forum, has been sold by its backers as a major economic driver that will bring big economic impact to surrounding businesses and the region…
“When a candidate calls our city horrible, it doesn’t help us any. It makes me not want to host someone who is going to act like that,” [fine-dining restaurant owner Adam] Siegel said, referring to comments made by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. “We have an amazing city here and I just wanted to showcase it.”
Even worse, Siegel said, RNC parties that have inquired about the space in recent weeks have asked him to lower his price point for bookings.
“It makes me feel like I’m getting taken advantage of because they know not many people are coming. I don’t want to feel like I’m being taken advantage of,” he said. “My rent’s not being discounted that week, and with all the money that we’ve spent on entertaining people or building up for this as a city, why should we discount it?”…
Bars and restaurants near Fiserv and within the half-square-mile security zone have reported no bookings, or fewer bookings than they had when the DNC was scheduled to come to town four years ago, before it became a largely virtual event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve been putting it this way – for the DNC, I was fully booked across the board in January,” said Jake Dehne, owner of RWB Milwaukee and Lucky Clover on North King Drive, just a block from the arena. “Right now I am 50% booked for the convention. But still, I have some while others have none.”…
NEW SPECIAL REPORT: RNC event bookings have been "underwhelming" and a "failure," says Gary Witt (@Iamablur). The Pabst and Riverside will sit empty during the convention. Downtown restaurants also worry about the lack of activity.
Let's recombobulate: https://t.co/aBj4oLhjiO
— Dan Shafer (@DanRShafer) June 26, 2024
The hotels are not fully booked. You can still reserve a room.
— lynno (@lynno15) June 26, 2024
Seems all of a piece https://t.co/GJxNyRRVa7
— Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) June 26, 2024
Probably the best events are at the Trump Hotel in Chicago. Trump gets paid for those events. He is in Milwaukee in name only.
— barackfan (@barackfan1) June 27, 2024
In all seriousness, given Trump's record of stiffing contractors, now that he controls the party purse strings, vendors who don't get bookings may turn out to be the lucky ones, with those who do host GOP events getting stuck with unpaid tabs.
— Zakariah Johnson 🪕 (@Pteratorn) June 27, 2024
At least the hoi polloi will be corralled well away from the Repubs:
Here’s a video to give you an idea of where the two demonstration sites are located in relation to where the Republican National Convention is taking place in Milwaukee. #RNC pic.twitter.com/ddQd93gTOA
— Mike De Sisti (@mdesisti) June 26, 2024
One possible exception: These guys seem to be looking forward to Milwaukee…
Between Miami, Mar a Lago and Atlanta we had a great week with Doug and Justin and their billboard truck. Chip in and help us send them to Milwaukee for the RNC Convention. https://t.co/tLqBQPT6ep pic.twitter.com/Gu2TQTvSRJ
— Claude Taylor (@TrueFactsStated) June 29, 2024
Frankensteinbeck
The attendees aren’t going to pay for their own damn drinks, and there’s no RNC money to pay for luxuries. It’s all going to Trump’s legal bills.
Baud
They should hit up their foreign dictator friends.
mrmoshpotato
Wait. Is the orange shitstain going to stay in the pile of shit building with his disgusting name on it in Chicago?
MagdaInBlack
@mrmoshpotato: Story is he was going to stay in Chicago, but got called on it, so denied it. Of course.
dmsilev
Traditionally, don’t the local prostitutes do a good business during the RNC? Has anyone polled them to get their assessment?
mrmoshpotato
@MagdaInBlack: Well, hopefully Dump decides to be a disgusting asshole to Milwaukee the entire convention.
jackmac
Poor Milwaukee. Dems were forced to pretty much abandon their convention there in 2020 due to COVID-19.
So Milwaukee gets the dubious consolation prize — the GOP — four years later.
mrmoshpotato
@dmsilev: Hahaha! Yes.
Albatrossity
Well, the gay bars and the strip clubs will probably have a good week
Another Scott
My grandmother (my father’s mother) was a stamp collector. I got one of her albums and noticed that she had campaign stamps from Nixon’s 1972 campaign.
Nixon had so much campaign cash then that he printed campaign stamps.
TCFFG’s campaign is so hapless that they can’t get people to book hotel rooms or go out to local establishments.
Money isn’t votes, and the election is a long way away, but enthusiasm is contagious and people like supporting and voting for winners. TCFFG is a whiner and a loser and has loser stink all over him…
Cheers,
Scott.
mrmoshpotato
@jackmac: The virtual DNC in 2020 was an awesome production however.
Ken
@mrmoshpotato: @MagdaInBlack: You can practically hear the slow grinding of the wheels: “If I stay in Chicago and hold events there, I can bill the RNC and attendees for use of my hotel.”
I’m wondering how his campaign staff persuaded him otherwise. They certainly didn’t say “No! Stupid idea! We’ll never get Illinois, we need Wisconsin, you have to stay in Milwaukee!”
Ken
@mrmoshpotato: I was very glad to hear they’re doing something similar this year.
eclare
@mrmoshpotato:
I would be willing to bet that he will.
mrmoshpotato
@Ken: They are?
jackmac
@mrmoshpotato: Indeed it was. The Roll Call across America was very well done.
MagdaInBlack
@Ken: “… but..If I stay in Milwaukee I’d have to actually pay them!”
Baud
@mrmoshpotato:
Just the roll call, I think.
eclare
@mrmoshpotato:
It really was. I loved the videos the state delegations sent in nominating Biden. Some were really creative. One of the New England delegations, IIRC, dressed up as lobsters. Or I should say lobstahs.
Roberto el oso
With Lara Trump’s paws on the purse strings it looks like the money is all tied up. Given that the attendees seem to think Milwaukee is a 3rd world hellhole they should look down on I wonder if there will be a lot of haggling between the delegates and sex workers, trying to bully the latter to bring their prices down.
Splitting Image
How’s the BDSM scene in Milwaukee? With the RNC in town, I presume the local dominatrices are ordering in extra rubber.
MazeDancer
Philadelphia Inquirer pulls through with a great editorial
While you’re there, reward them with a subscription. 6 months for $1.
Ken
@Baud: Yes, that’s what I heard.
They may still go through a roll call on the floor. My opinion of those was cemented decades ago. I do not remember whether it was a Democratic or Republican convention; but I recall the chair announcing the roll call, and asking the delegations to be brief. Then the Alabama head stands up and says something like “Mr. Chairman, fellow delegates, standing here representing the great State of Alabama, pearl of the South, the Yellowhammer State, ….” and the other delegates began booing him.
Chris
@mrmoshpotato:
Related:
I was really annoyed, like irrationally so, when the Old Post Office here in DC got turned into a Trump hotel. And so happy when he had to sell it.
I don’t love him having his old casinos and hotels and whatnot of his own, but whatever. But the OPO’s an iconic historical building. It’s part of the city’s soul just like the monuments, museums, and seats of government, even if it’s not as well known. It shouldn’t be a millionaire’s toy, but least of all Donald Trump.
For the first time, I didn’t just understand but really feel the Indiana Jones “that belongs in a museum!” rage at rich people, let alone Nazis, buying up artifacts just to boost their own egos.
NotMax
In a fashion true to the Rs, this conversation might ensue.
“The waiter said the special for convention attendees is $29.95. It’s $46 on this bill.”
“He lied. You ought to be accustomed to that by now.”
Omnes Omnibus
Speaking of Wisconsin related things… Here is Lake Superior vs Tom Fitton.
Almost Retired
Jeez, I thought crypto.com arena was a horrible corporate venue name. But Fiserv Forum sounds like the name of a disturbing subreddit.
Omnes Omnibus
I wonder what hotel Trump will be at in Milwaukee. None of the hip modern ones. Not the Pfister, too old money, not enough gold plating. Maybe the Hilton?
Omnes Omnibus
@Almost Retired: Fear the Deer and do not diss the Deer District.
NotMax
@Omnes Omnibus
Does Four Seasons Total Landscaping have a satellite office they can set up a cot in?
UncleEbeneezer
So the building next to our complex has a couple criminal suspects that the Sheriffs are trying to coax out using their megaphone and have been for over an hour. Street locked down. We are supposed to stay inside, can’t leave. The cops didn’t have their weapons drawn when I walked out to my mailbox but there was about ten squad cars and dozens of officers. Kinda wild.
Omnes Omnibus
@NotMax: Maybe in Waukesha.
bbleh
I’m reminded of how things were in DC during his administration: the cultists / staffers kept very much to themselves. They rented in the same apartment complexes, socialized at the same venues — didn’t venture out a lot into the Big Scary City (That Has Lots Of Black People). And remember also, MAGA is about belonging, which means defining and maintaining boundaries between in- and out-groups, and whoever ain’t In is Out.
Alas for the honest merchants of Milwaukee. And I would concur, get at least half up front or tell ’em no way see ya buh-bye.
NotMax
Will Bannon be granted permission to appear at the convention remotely?
Inquiring minds….
eclare
@UncleEbeneezer:
Holy shit! Stay indoors! And away from windows.
bbleh
@NotMax: “the difference is the MAGA sur-gratuity in honor of Mister Trump.” [pockets it]
TBone
@NotMax: 😆❤️🤣
I wore my Gritty on a lawn tractor Four Seasons (not the hotel) t-shirt all day yesterday.
NotMax
What merch will be on sale?
Chocolate gallows with a marzipan Pence hanging from a licorice whip?
Eunicecycle
I remember the same thing happening in Cleveland in 2016 when the RNC was there. The restaurants and other venues had no business because locals stayed away and there weren’t enough parties to keep them busy.
UncleEbeneezer
@eclare: There’s another set of buildings between ours and the one where the suspects are. But yeah hopefully it gets resolved soon.
TBone
So glad to see that we’re finally back to playing offense again today, instead of defense.
NotMax
@Eunicecycle
“Call Guido and cancel all the orders we placed for spotted owl.”
//
Chris
@UncleEbeneezer:
Yikes. Stay safe.
Odie Hugh Manatee
@Frankensteinbeck:
Yup! I am laughing my ass off at the stupid money that has been thrown into the Gaping Orange Maw. He is sucking the cash and life out of the party like a bloated orange vampire, leaving a stumbling zombie behind. The MAGA party is nothing more than whatever the bloated orange ass utters at any given moment, there is really nothing more to it than his ranting and his followers doe-eyed amazement at his genius.
I am going to enjoy watching him fly this plane of snakes into a mountain. Let’s make it happen!
sixthdoctor
The idea of him being afraid and suffering fills me with a joy for which I will have to atone on my deathbed.
Omnes Omnibus
@sixthdoctor: I believe that FAFO was invent for just such a situation.
wjca
I’d like to think that cities would get a clue. And stop bidding for the RNC, since it’s a proven economic negative. But then I consider the contortions some cities (looking at you Las Vegas) will go thru for a professional sports franchise. Apparently learning just doesn’t take place.
Elizabelle
@NotMax:
Ha ha.
catclub
@Elizabelle: “are you attending the convention or sitting in my restaurant?”
Chet Murthy
@Omnes Omnibus: He’ll sleep in his plane.
mrmoshpotato
@Baud: Ah. Cool. The roll call was very well done. Bravo to the people who came with that idea.
mrmoshpotato
@Splitting Image: *snort!”
mrmoshpotato
@Chris: I hear ya.
Eric S.
@Almost Retired: It’s a financial services company. My employer uses them to process customer payments and do some other things. They have a nice skybox at the Forum and I was able to attend a Bulls v Bucks game on their dime this year.
zhena gogolia
@MazeDancer: I just subscribed.
Harrison Wesley
Love that the Inky took a shot at The Paper Of Record. I used to drink with some of the folks that worked there at a bar just north of Hahneman Hospital; amusing times (and many, many years ago).
zhena gogolia
I also just cancelled my subscription to the Atlantic.
Baud
@zhena gogolia:
👍
Ken
Carnac the Magnificent says… White suspects.
O. Felix Culpa
@mrmoshpotato: I was an elected delegate to the 2020 DNC. It was great fun, even if virtual!
Ken
Here’s what you do, Steve. You establish yourself as the alpha male. First day there, go up to the biggest, baddest, most-tattooed guy there, the one surrounded by thirty other guys who look like NFL linebackers — some probably were — and scream “I’m not trapped in here with you, you’re trapped in here with me!” Then punch him in the gut.
O. Felix Culpa
@MazeDancer: Finally! Odd how the FTFNYT didn’t write that editorial. [Narrator: not really odd, when you think about it.]
zhena gogolia
@Baud: Still have WaPo and NYT, so don’t congratulate me yet. I don’t read them, though.
Mousebumples
@Jeffro – if he finds this thread. If Froette is still looking for places to eat, there are some nice restaurants mentioned in these articles that might be worth a look…
O. Felix Culpa
@zhena gogolia: Same. WaPo is on the bubble though, and NYT not far behind.
cain
Like always, the economy always suffers when GOP is in charge Milwaukee edition.
Omnes Omnibus
@Mousebumples: Some, like Lupi and Iris, are a bit pricey for someone who may be on a grad student budget.
Lyrebird
@Omnes Omnibus: What are some better, study group and journalist friendly spots?
I have heard that Milwaukee has some great indy coffee shops!
narya
@Lyrebird: colectivo coffee!
I’ve been drinking their coffee since they were Alterra
Odie Hugh Manatee
@UncleEbeneezer:
Hopefully this is over without gunfire and everything that goes with it.
Omnes Omnibus
@Lyrebird: @narya: There are several Collectivo Coffee spots. The bars and restaurants on Brady St. The Cathedral Square area. Walker’s Point and Bay View. I would stay away from the area around Fiserv Forum, except to try Mader’s. That’s where the GOP will be. Ew.
ETA: The Collectivo Lakefront is pretty cool.
Delk
@Omnes Omnibus: how about Portage?
narya
@Omnes Omnibus: I went to the original spot, then the second one; no idea if they’re still the same. There are a few in Madison and Chicago I’ve been to, and I’ll be in MKE Labor Day for the Indy Car races at the Milwaukee mile and I’ll try to get to at least one of them.
Omnes Omnibus
@Delk: No one stays in Portage if they can help it. The name basically means transfer point in French. It was where boats has to be carried a fairly short distance to move from the Great Lakes/St Laurence water basin to that of the Mississippi.
Matt McIrvin
@sixthdoctor: I thought Steve Bannon was some kind of Spartan ultra-warrior! Surely a bunch of lowly prison inmates couldn’t scare him?
Delk
@Omnes Omnibus: I was referring to the correctional facility located there. Maybe he can have Dahmer’s old cell.
Omnes Omnibus
@Matt McIrvin: He will only have one shirt. It’s like cutting Samson’s hair.
Omnes Omnibus
@Delk: Shit. And I drive right by it every time I head north. But, in any case, Waupun is closer to Milwaukee.
JaneE
The MAGA delegates are probably afraid they will be mugged or worse if they leave the safe confines of the convention. Trump told them the crime was horrible.
SiubhanDuinne
@Chet Murthy:
The poor man’s idea of the rich man’s version of “he’ll sleep in his car.”
SiubhanDuinne
@zhena gogolia:
Every journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
azlib
@MazeDancer:
The good folks at Electoral Vote Predictor have a pretty good analysis of the Biden must drop out situation:
https://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2024/Items/Jun29-1.html
What continues to amaze me is the naivite of pundits who clearly have no understanding of how Party politics actually works.
RaflW
Late to this thread, but I had posted a couple days ago about Chef Greg and Amilinda. I’m still so mad about how the f*king GOP is just going to screw over Milwaukee like this.
We’ll go patronize his place again after the ‘exclusion zone’ is lifted, and maybe check out Adam Siegel’s Lupi & Iris at some point as well. I hope they both at least pick up some extra business not during RNC from the publicity that MKE has James Beard winners & nominees!
Jinchi
Maybe the media have been so successful declaring that Biden couldn’t possibly win that everyone thinks the election is already over.