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LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Business owners in downtown Louisville say they’re seeing a shift in their customers, some of whom say they now include more locals and tourists.
With the two companies and LG&E leaving their longtime home, some are wondering whether to focus on tourism or trying to bring back local residents.
Jeff Kopple, co-owner of Sicilian Pizza & Pasta, said, “I personally know people who have moved on from multiple companies, like Kindred and Humana, who are now working from their home offices.” “I’m doing it,” he said.
After 15 years in business, Kopple said he’s starting to notice more tourists than locals coming through the door.
“It’s definitely a mix,” he said. “Since COVID-19 and since all businesses started closing their doors in some tower buildings, the number of local residents, businessmen and foot traffic has definitely decreased.”
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Just this week, Humana Bank and Fifth Third Bank announced that employees would be leaving their longtime downtown offices. As a result, this area has a strong atmosphere as a tourist destination.
“There’s a reason people want to come and enjoy this community,” said Cleo Battle, president and CEO of the Louisville Tourism Authority. “This is their city, the city of Louisville, but we get a lot of tourists.”
Louisville is hosting several big events this year, so visitor numbers are expected to skyrocket.
The 150th Kentucky Derby and PGA Championship, in particular, give downtown businesses the perfect opportunity to show people why they should book a return visit.
“All the locals know that their family and friends are coming to visit,” Battle said. “When friends and family come to visit, we want them to be able to take them downtown and enjoy the distillery experience, and we want them to come downtown and enjoy our great restaurants.”
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But even as the focus shifts to tourists, local business owners remain hopeful that the local customer base will return to what it once was.
“Before everything started changing downtown, the lunch crowds were phenomenal,” Kopple said. “Fourth Avenue here will be packed, the tables outside will be full, and all the local restaurants, including Sicilian’s, Us, and Safie’s, will have lines out the door. With the transition, we are now open to business. “We’re shifting our focus to things like delivery to keep things up and running.” ”
The president of the Louisville Tourism Board also said the mayor has formed a committee of people to develop a plan and vision for the future of downtown.
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