The Olympic Games in Paris were supposed to be a boon for local businesses. But for many restaurants, the reality has been a mixed bag. Despite the influx of visitors expected for the games, some businesses near the competition sites are only now seeing an uptick in customer numbers.
A Tale of Two Cities
The Apollon Greek restaurant, located just a short distance from the iconic Eiffel Tower, typically sees a massive queue snaking down the street on a regular weekday. However, like many restaurants in Paris during the Olympic summer, Apollon experienced a significant dip in business. Despite expecting a huge surge in tourists, the hoped-for boom hasn’t materialized for many establishments.
“We have been preparing for the influx of tourists for a year,” explained Aristotelis Stamkopoulos, the owner of Apollon. “We recruited new staff and had to refuse staff leave.” However, he added, “We saw a clear drop in visitor numbers in June and July, ranging from a 30% to 60% loss on certain days.” While things have improved since the start of the games, he acknowledged that the increase is still relatively small compared to previous years.
Security Measures Cast a Shadow
The 7th arrondissement of Paris, where Apollon is located, is close to many major competition sites. However, strict security measures have limited people’s movement in the area, making it difficult for tourists to access the streets. These measures have also prompted many residents to leave the city during the games.
Tourists have encountered metal fences, police checkpoints, and digital pass requirements for accessing certain areas of central Paris. These measures have created a sense of frustration and inconvenience for both residents and tourists.
A Terrace Too Far
A classic French restaurant just a few streets away from Apollon was forced to remove its outdoor terrace due to security restrictions, resulting in a 62% loss of seating capacity. This decision was particularly devastating for the restaurant, as the terrace is a key attraction for customers.
“The lack of a terrace discourages a lot of people and it’s a loss of business,” explained a waiter who asked not to be named. “It’s very arbitrary and random, we don’t understand how the zones were even decided.”
The restaurant has increased prices by 30% to compensate for the losses. But the waiter shared his frustration, saying, “Sometimes, we close much earlier than usual due to the lack of clients. It can be nice to finish early, but when it becomes regular, it leaves a bitter taste.” He summed up the situation with a bleak observation, saying, “Restaurants are like the metro: everything’s empty. We’re taking advantage of an empty Paris, but let’s hope the customers come back because, without them, we can’t work.”
Uneven Playing Field
Florent, the owner of Le Centenaire, another restaurant in the same area, also experienced the loss of his outdoor seating. In a decision that seemed unfair and arbitrary, authorities allowed restaurants with even-numbered addresses to keep their terraces, while those with odd-numbered addresses were forced to remove them.
This decision has created a sense of injustice and frustration among those who were forced to close their terraces. However, not all businesses have been negatively impacted. A restaurant owner in the same area claims they have been full since the Olympics began.
A Ray of Hope
Kevin Angot, the owner of the Bar du Central restaurant, reported a small increase in customers since the start of the games. He admitted that June and July saw a decline in business, but overall, he is satisfied with the Olympics’ impact on his business.
A Mixed Picture Beyond the Games
The situation is bleaker in areas outside the competition sites. Baptiste, the owner of a wine bar in the 11th arrondissement, saw a 40% drop in revenue in July, attributing the decline to a lack of local customers and a shortage of tourists venturing beyond the designated Olympic areas.
Looking Ahead
Despite the mixed results, many restaurant owners remain optimistic about the future. With the Paralympic Games set to take place from August 28th to September 8th, they are hopeful for a continued increase in customer numbers.
Some believe that the Olympics will have a lasting impact on tourism. Apollon’s Stamkopoulos expressed confidence, saying, “I feel reassured as a businessman because Paris is receiving insane publicity all over the world due to the success of the Olympics. I think a lot of people will be coming to visit in the next few years.”
A Long-Term View
David Zenouda, the vice president of the UMIH, a union representing the hotel and restaurant industry in the Paris region, acknowledged that there has been some disappointment among businesses. However, he cautioned, “It’s still too early to draw an overall conclusion.” He remains hopeful, saying, “I think that tourists who were reluctant to visit for the Olympics will perhaps see that things are going well, and we’ll have a nice influx at the end of the year and the beginning of 2025.”
In Conclusion
The impact of the Olympic Games on Paris restaurants has been mixed, with some experiencing a surge in business while others have suffered significant losses. While security measures and the uneven distribution of tourists have contributed to the challenges, many restaurant owners remain hopeful for the future, believing that the Olympics will ultimately generate a positive long-term impact on tourism in the city.
