The city of lights is ablaze with the excitement of the Olympics, but for some businesses, the glow is rather dim. While the Games have brought a surge of visitors to the capital, not all establishments have seen the anticipated boom. In fact, some restaurants, particularly those located near competition sites, are experiencing a downturn in business.
Empty Tables, Empty Pockets
The 7th arrondissement, a prime location in close proximity to the Olympic venues, has become a haven for security measures. Metal fences, police checkpoints, and a requirement for digital passes have transformed the once-bustling streets into a maze of restrictions. This, coupled with the displacement of many residents, has created a challenging environment for businesses.
The Apollon Greek restaurant, a popular spot typically brimming with tourists, has seen a significant drop in customers. “It’s been a year of preparation for the influx of tourists,” says owner Aristotelis Stamkopoulos. “We’ve been recruiting staff and refusing leave, only to see a dramatic decline in visitors during June and July.”
The restaurant, like many others, has experienced a 30-60% loss in customers during those months. While there has been a slight uptick in visitor numbers since the Games began, it remains a far cry from the expected boom.
A classic French restaurant, located just a few blocks away, faced a similar predicament. The restaurant’s terrace, a major draw for patrons, was removed due to security measures, resulting in a 62% loss of seating capacity. “The terrace is crucial for our clientele,” laments a waiter. “Without it, we’ve seen a significant drop in business.”
The arbitrary nature of security measures has left many businesses feeling frustrated. “Just across the street, another restaurant has its terrace open, while we have to close ours,” the waiter explains, pointing to a rival establishment packed with tourists.
These restaurants have been forced to adapt. Some have raised prices to compensate for losses, while others close early due to the lack of customers. “Restaurants are like the metro: everything’s empty,” remarks the waiter, highlighting the stark reality for many businesses.
A Mixed Bag of Experiences
While some restaurants are struggling, others are experiencing a different reality. Le Centenaire, a neighboring restaurant to the Apollon, also lost its terrace, but a curious decision by the authorities has created a bizarre situation. Businesses with even-numbered addresses were allowed to keep their outdoor seating, while those with odd numbers were forced to close theirs.
This disparity has sparked a sense of injustice among those who were excluded. However, not all businesses in the area are struggling. One restaurant owner, Kevin Angot of the Bar du Central, claims to have been full since the Olympics began. “We’ve seen a 20-30% increase in customers compared to last year,” he says.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that areas outside of the competition sites are experiencing a different reality. Baptiste, owner of a wine bar in the 11th arrondissement, reports a 40% loss in revenue, attributing it to a lack of locals and tourists venturing outside of the designated Olympic zones.
Hope for the Future
Despite the mixed bag of experiences, there’s a sense of cautious optimism among restaurant owners. The upcoming Paralympic Games, running from August 28th to September 8th, could bring a renewed influx of visitors.
Moreover, many businesses believe that the Games will have a long-term impact on the city’s tourism landscape. “Paris is receiving incredible publicity around the world due to the success of the Olympics,” says Apollon’s Stamkopoulos. “I believe many people will be coming to visit in the years to come.”
According to Choose Paris, the capital’s tourism agency, the city saw a 20% increase in visitors at the end of July compared to the same period in 2023. While the overall impact of the Games remains to be seen, there’s a hopeful expectation that the city will experience a surge in tourism in the months and years to come.
“There’s a sense of disappointment, as we expected to be much busier,” says David Zenouda, vice president of the UMIH, a union representing the hotel and restaurant industry in the Paris region. “However, it’s still too early to draw conclusions. I believe tourists who hesitated to visit for the Olympics will see that things are going well, and we’ll see a significant increase in tourism at the end of the year and into 2025.”
Despite the challenges and uncertainties, the spirit of resilience and hope prevails among Paris’ restaurant owners. They are adapting to the changing circumstances, embracing the opportunities, and looking forward to a brighter future fueled by the positive global attention generated by the Olympic Games.
