Norfolk businesses get boost from MEAC

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The city of Norfolk is hosting the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference basketball tournament for the first time in more than 15 years. A lot of local businesses are reaping the benefits of having the conference back in town.

One business owner told WAVY.com the MEAC is bringing more foot traffic to the area, and boosting sales. It also doesn't hurt that it's Saint Patrick's Day weekend as well.

"It's obviously bringing in an influx of people from the hotels here, and those people have to eat, " Kenny Scott of Todd Jurich's Bistro said."

On Saturday, Scott says Todd Jurich's Bistro had 100 reservations planned for the night. The restaurant normally averages 20 to 40 reservations on weekends.  It's extra work the employees at Todd Jurich's Bistro welcome.

"I can't complain. Anything to bring in business is always a plus for any small business trying to fight to keep up with all the corporate stuff out here," Scott said.

Restaurants are not the only places getting a boost in business this weekend. Basketball fans tells WAVY.com they are supporting Norfolk's retailers as well. Belinda and William Piercey came to see the MEAC from Petersburg, and have spent the week shopping and dining in between games.

"We enjoyed the mall," Belinda Piercy said. "Well I enjoyed the mall. We did a lot of shopping, and the food here is great."

With the extra revenue, the MEAC has brought to downtown Norfolk many businesses are hoping it will return next year.

"Hopefully it will come back, and Norfolk will have continued success from it," Scott said. "Hopefully it will bring another influx of business to the area."