Impact of the Chicago Marathon on Local Businesses

Tens of thousands of runners are set to participate in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, but for Maurizio Michi, the significant day is today. ‘Our marathon is on Saturday,’ said Michi, owner of the Italian restaurant Sofi. ‘The day before marathon day is the busiest day of the year, every year.’ Like many Italian eateries near Grant Park, Sofi is fully reserved the night before the race. ‘They’re looking for lots of carbs,’ noted Michi, standing in the dining area. ‘We never disappoint.’

The Chicago Marathon significantly boosts business activity along the race route and throughout the city. An independent study by Jones & Associates Economics reported an economic contribution of nearly $756 million to the Chicago metropolitan area last year. Over 55,000 participants ran last year, with more than 75% coming from outside the state. These visitors stayed in hotels, dined in local restaurants, and shopped at local businesses, enhancing economic activity.

Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism organization, estimated that 1.7 million spectators watched the event. The marathon’s 26.2-mile path crosses 29 neighborhoods, making its economic effects extensive, according to Tim Little, a Bank of America Midwest business banking executive. ‘You might visit a neighborhood you typically wouldn’t,’ Little explained about the spectators along the route. ‘When waiting, you might explore a restaurant.’

Angel Diaz, owner of Frida Room, a brunch spot in Pilsen, shared similar experiences. ‘We get many people waiting for their family or friends,’ he said. ‘It’s a nonstop day.’

Fueling the athletes is taken seriously at Sofi. The kitchen staff boosts pasta portion sizes during marathon weekend, according to Michi. ‘That’s why they return,’ Michi expressed with a smile. ‘We give them what they want.’ The team at Sofi prepares triple the usual amount of pasta and doubles the ingredient orders. Michi noted that marathon runners don’t typically linger at dinner, eating between 4 and 7 p.m., and they don’t indulge in alcohol. ‘Runners get their enjoyment from pasta,’ Michi stated.

Intelligentsia Coffee also plays a vital role during the marathon weekend. According to Lori Haughey, vice president of operations, the company brews coffee in large quantities overnight to support event volunteers, starting at 3 a.m. ‘Wherever volunteers are, we provide coffee,’ said Haughey. The coffee chain, established 31 years ago, operates two downtown locations and one in Lakeview, all near the race route. On Sunday, they open at 6 a.m. to optimize sales amid marathon traffic. ‘We’re a Chicago company,’ said Haughey. ‘Supporting this large event is important to us.’

To reach runners and spectators, Intelligentsia plans a coffee truck on Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue from 4:30 a.m. on Sunday. ‘It’s neat seeing many people drinking coffee before tackling 26.2 miles,’ Haughey observed. The company offers a special ‘26.2 blend’ for runners and spectators, featuring lightly roasted beans and herbs to be gentle on the stomach.

Asian-style restaurant BellyBowl saw doubled profits on marathon day last year at its South Loop location, according to owners Ivan Williams and Stephanie Gong. ‘Not just racers, but their families come too,’ stated Williams. ‘Chicago locals trying our food often return.’ To impress guests, BellyBowl aims for efficient service and accuracy. ‘On marathon day, we’re on point with service speed and order accuracy,’ Williams said. The restaurant uses delivery robots to complement a doubled staff, enhancing service during peak times. ‘These robots, like Bella, are very helpful when it’s busy,’ Williams noted, referring to the small, face-like robots that deliver refreshments promptly.

‘Each year, the marathon brings more guests,’ Williams remarked. ‘I’m proud to host these visitors.’