Businesses outside the gates of Summerfest feeling the financial pinch

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Summerfest -- of course great for music -- and popular attraction for tourists and locals -- but at the end of the day it’s a business -- and for some in the Historic Third Ward, the numbers just aren't adding up.

"My numbers and my book -- the three weeks is killing us," said Arturo Napoles.

Arturo Napoles is the owner of Riverfront Pizzeria Bar and Grill just outside the gates of Summerfest.

"I make more sales on Tuesday and Wednesday than on Fridays and Saturdays," he said.

He says the lack of parking and the intense crowds during the three weekends of Summerfest has driven his numbers down.

"Cost of operation is not worth it," said Napoles.

Other business operations are seeing customers who don't want to go to Summerfest staying away.

Rob Levin is new to the block. He's only known the tri-weekend format -- and he says its's costing him some big dollars.

"It's tough for parking and with no parking it's hard to do business," said Levin.

Joyce Koker opted out of Summerfest this year-- but she knows all about it.

"So many great vendors and great shows and good food," said Koker.

And for those vendors -- a very different story.

"Surpassed every benchmark, every goal that we set for ourselves," said Ashley Bester Barnett.

Ashley Bester Barnett is the owner of Scents and Such. It's her second time as a vendor on the grounds. She sees the dollars and cents of seeing up shop -- boosting her bottom line.

"Someone told me I wouldn't believe it myself to be quite frank with you," she said.

As for those outside the walls of Summerfest, they say they miss the previous 11-day marathon of Summerfest's past. 

If it were up to me I would vote for the ten days or the 12 days.