Eclipse could bring $1B boost to U.S. economy
LORAIN, Ohio (WJW) — In cities big and small, more than 31 million people will soon be able to look to the sky for the total solar eclipse.
“We’re all excited for the eclipse,” said John Barker, CEO of the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance. “So much of Ohio is right in the middle.”
Barker said the alliance, formerly the Ohio Restaurant Association, represents 10,000 locations, and members are planning to cash in on all things eclipse, some doubling supplies ahead of April 8 to meet expected demand.
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“They’re hoping to maybe double their sales, maybe triple per restaurant. That’s a big deal per restaurant, particularly our independent restaurants,” Barker said.
The eclipse could bring an estimated $1 billion economic boost nationwide, according to the Great American Eclipse. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency said up to half-a-million people could visit statewide for the eclipse.
“Because it’s going to be a couple of days, people are going to come into the city,” said Barker. “I understand almost all the hotels are sold out all the way to the suburbs.”
Just how much of a financial boost the eclipse will bring in Northeast Ohio depends on the weather.
“The big unknown is the weather, but if we get the crowds everyone is talking about, it would be equivalent to a downtown playoff game for us,” said Tom Brown, executive director of the Lorain Port and Finance Authority.
“The main street businesses, all the restaurants, taverns, speakeasies — they’re going to do phenomenal,” said Brown. “When you can capture a huge crowd, you’ve got to do it that day.”
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The Lorain Port and Finance Authority will host Total Eclipse at the Port at Black River Landing from noon to six on April 8.
“You’re talking about people traveling, and then they start buying gas, they start buying beverages, they go out to eat … even after our event is done, go hang out on Main Street,” said Brown.
It’ll be food, music and, with any luck, clear views of the once-in-a-lifetime eclipse.
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