Tourism spending data show restaurants and bars experienced a sales decline during RNC month

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Some of the hottest spots in downtown Milwaukee did not see the big boost they were expecting during the week of the Republican National Convention (RNC) -- recent data from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue backs that up. 

According to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, for sales subject to tax for tourism and travel-related industries in July 2023 compared to July 2024 in Milwaukee County, restaurants and bars experienced a 1% decline in sales. That's a $1.8 million decline comparing year to year. 

In another comparison, for sales subject to tax for tourism and travel-related industries between June 2024 and July 2024 in the city of Milwaukee showed restaurants and bars experienced a 9.7% decline in sales, which is a decline of $12.5 million.

“It was not an economic windfall, but it didn’t hurt by any means," said Phil Bilodeau, owner of Thief Wine Shop & Bar. CBS 58 spoke with him during the RNC. Bilodeau doesn't credit data of a sales decline entirely to the RNC, citing other economic factors at play over the past year. 

“Anything that brings people into Milwaukee, I think is a great thing to experience all that we have to offer," said Bilodeau. 

“With everything blocked off during that area, a lot of businesses didn’t want to be open during that time," said Jada Kondrakiewicz, manager at Freese's Candy Shop. She says their business saw customers during the convention and hopes more events make their way to Milwaukee in the future. 

“I hope it brings more business in the future, I’m hoping with summer coming up now that it’s been almost a whole calendar year, I hope it does bring more business and we get more events in Milwaukee," Kondrakiewicz said.

A Visit Milwaukee report examining the total economic impact of the RNC has not yet been released. Interactive data from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue is available here.