Louisville businesses expecting another big year for Kentucky Derby 151
Businesses, both big and small, look forward to welcoming guests from across the country and beyond, with many saying they are completely booked.
Businesses, both big and small, look forward to welcoming guests from across the country and beyond, with many saying they are completely booked.
Businesses, both big and small, look forward to welcoming guests from across the country and beyond, with many saying they are completely booked.
Thousands of people are headed to Louisville as Derby Week kicks off, bringing both excitement and significant economic opportunities to the city.
Businesses, both big and small, look forward to welcoming guests from across the country and beyond, with many saying they are completely booked.
"You know, we opened this restaurant in 1986. We're still here and still very excited about welcoming guests from all over the world," said Connie Bailey, the Derby event manager at Vincenzo's.
The popular restaurant is fully booked through the weekend, with staff starting Derby preparations the moment the previous year's festivities conclude.
"It맥스카지노�s something that we get started on when the Derby from the previous year has concluded. We get started on working on Derby for the next year," Bailey said.
For Louisville맥스카지노�s hospitality sector, Derby Week remains a peak season. Louisville Tourism says that hotel occupancy hit 94 percent in 2024, with this year's estimate slightly lower at 87%. Thursday marks the busiest day for arrivals.
"Thursday is the big day for arrivals for the Derby. People come in and, you know, set up relaxed, start seeing the city. But what really goes into it is these big events," said Sam Rollain, the area general manager at Hilton Garden Inn.
Downtown hotels like the Hilton Garden Inn are gearing up for a packed house.
"We're going to be sold out top to bottom. And the restaurant will be as busy as could be and hopefully packed standing room only," Rollain said.
Of their 162 rooms, more than 100 will be occupied on Thursday, with even more guests arriving as the weekend unfolds.
Small businesses are also thriving during Derby Week. Lou Lou on Market, a popular destination in NuLu, says its their biggest event of the year.
"This economic impact is huge. You know, we just get tons of people from out of town, and we just 맥스카지노� the hotels, the restaurants, it맥스카지노�s the bar life, the bourbon life. Everything just explodes," said Jared Matthews, the owner of Lou Lou on Market.
The momentum grows year after year, with increased crowds and higher demand.
"There맥스카지노�s definitely not a hangover. I mean, we are definitely booked up more than we맥스카지노�ve ever been booked up. So it just continues to happen every year," Matthews said.
Louisville Tourism estimates the Derby맥스카지노�s economic impact to be over $400 million, with this year expected to come close to or match that figure.