San Francisco businesses located in the Metreon are facing difficulties during the APEC Summit as security measures disrupt operations and reduce customer footfall. The summit, originally scheduled for three days, has extended beyond that timeframe, causing concern among business owners about the impact on their businesses.
Owners like Manuel Ramirez of Bonchon have been advocating for their interests during the summit. Ramirez expressed disappointment with the prolonged security measures, explaining, People were saying that it will be just three days. That the perimeter fence is going to go up on November 14, but it actually went up on Thursday, November 10 – So, it’s not just three days.
While some businesses have chosen to stay open, others have had to close due to traffic congestion and delays. The Yerba Buena community benefit district, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the downtown neighborhood, has been working with the city and businesses to find solutions. However, Ramirez believes that the current efforts are insufficient.
Ramirez highlighted the negative impact the summit has had on his business, stating, We’re down by 40% in average daily sales compared to two weeks ago and even compared year over year 2022. He also mentioned receiving an email from third-party platforms informing them of their suspension of operations in the affected area.
Buckhorn, another business in the Metreon, has also experienced a decline in customers. A cashier at Buckhorn, Lesli Zuniga, noted that the customer count has been low, with mainly police officers and convention attendees visiting the food court.
Despite the challenges, these businesses remain hopeful for improvement. However, Ramirez warned that if the situation doesn’t improve and he cannot meet payroll, he may be forced to close his establishment.
Whether the APEC Summit will have a positive or negative impact on the surrounding businesses is yet to be seen. Business owners are anxiously monitoring the situation, hoping for a turnaround in their fortunes. Effective collaboration between the city, community organizations, and businesses will be crucial in finding solutions and mitigating the summit’s impact on the local economy.
