ROCHESTER, NY (WROC) – Local businesses are gearing up for the new year. Preparations, for many, are in full swing. However, expectations for some business owners have changed since the pandemic.
As some explain, it’s not always the most profitable night of the year.
“It’s not what everyone thinks, it’s not like the biggest night of the year. You don’t know exactly what to expect,” said Jeff Limuti, owner of Exchange Sports Bar.
Comparing the pre-pandemic New Year’s celebrations with the current ones, Limuti says that the participation is not as much as it used to be.
“I wouldn’t say we’re back to where we were before COVID. I’d say we’re a long way from there, especially in the city. A lot is happening in the city now,” Limuti said.
As a bar and restaurant owner in both the city and the suburbs, Limuti says this is where he sees the biggest change in business.
Limut owns several businesses in downtown Rochester, including The Exchange. He also owns Compane Trattoria in Fairport and describes the crowd level between the two as ‘remarkable’.
He says this is largely, in part, due to crime.
“The challenge of having a city location is that people are going to the suburbs now rather than the city. It seems like people who live in the suburbs are less inclined to come to the city now, so that’s really the biggest challenge. Those who were really regular, now stay on the outskirts,” Limuti said.
Limut adds that the mild weather this weekend will help with attendance and adds that he is grateful for a continued sense of normalcy.
“It’s great to see people you haven’t seen in a while,” Limuti said.
