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Is President Obama Good for Business?
Presidents generate big buzz and an influx of customers when they visit restaurants and other establishments. But does it last? Business owners across the nation reflect on what happens when the commander-in-chief walks through the front door.
Posted 8/ 4 10 at 7:30 PM | Business Trends, Advertising & Marketing, Sales, Leadership, Consumer Products & Services, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Retail
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During a recent visit to the Tastee Sub Shop
in Edison, N.J., President Obama helped himself to a six-inch "Super Sub" -- and made a sales pitch for the sandwich eatery that's been "a tradition since 1963.""Well, I just had a terrific meeting with these small-business owners here at Tastee Sub Shop," the president said. "And I want to thank Dave and Carl for hosting us here today. And I highly recommend everybody buy a sandwich while you're here ."
The visit was a stop on President Obama's ongoing "White House to Main Street Tour," where he pitches his economic policies against the backdrop of local businesses. But for at least some establishments that happen to draw the commander-in-chief as a customer, such visits can be something of an economic stimulus -- generating buzz, free media exposure, an endorsement from "the world's most powerful man" and an influx of curious customers.
"The visit doubled our business," says Tastee Sub Shop co-owner David Thornton. "It started on Tuesday when the word was out about the visit and continued through today. We understand it's a novelty buzz right now. We don't know how to plan for when it wears off. If this continues, then we'll have to increase our staff."
Much like having celebrity patrons, a presidential visit -- by any president, as many before President Obama have as well -- can definitely put a small business on the map. Some don't see a direct increase in sales, but still enjoy perks like photos with the president, which they can use for marketing on their storefronts and websites, and a more direct line to the White House staff.
Even well-known establishments with already-loyal followings can reap benefits from a presidential pit stop. Ben's Chili Bowl, a Washington, D.C., landmark made famous by Bill Cosby and other celebrity customers, still saw an uptick in business surrounding a visit by then President-elect Obama.
"We were packed," co-owner Sonya Ali says. "People started cheering. It was almost like somebody scored a touchdown."
Presidents do not have the golden touch in all cases, however. Rick Cummings, co-owner of Oasis Mechanical Contractors, could have used an increase in business following a visit from President Obama earlier this year. The recession hit the Lanham, Md.-based mechanical contracting company hard. Cummings told the president in February that Oasis couldn't take advantage of certain proposed tax credits, like the $5,000 credit employers receive for hiring a new employee, because he didn't have enough work for his current staff.
Even well-known establishments with already-loyal followings can reap benefits from a presidential pit stop. Ben's Chili Bowl, a Washington, D.C., landmark made famous by Bill Cosby and other celebrity customers, still saw an uptick in business surrounding a visit by then President-elect Obama.
"We were packed," co-owner Sonya Ali says. "People started cheering. It was almost like somebody scored a touchdown."
Presidents do not have the golden touch in all cases, however. Rick Cummings, co-owner of Oasis Mechanical Contractors, could have used an increase in business following a visit from President Obama earlier this year. The recession hit the Lanham, Md.-based mechanical contracting company hard. Cummings told the president in February that Oasis couldn't take advantage of certain proposed tax credits, like the $5,000 credit employers receive for hiring a new employee, because he didn't have enough work for his current staff.
"I was surprised," Cummings said about the aftermath of the visit. "A lot of people called, saw it on television, saw it in the paper. But the only calls we got related to business were from charitable organizations looking for donations of equipment and labor."
The president talked to Cummings about problems with legislation and the economy, similar to the conversations he has with employees and customers during the various stops on the tour.
But presidents are not the only ones who can provide a first-hand boost to small businesses. As it turns out, first ladies have cache too -- as seen during First Lady Michelle Obama's recent visit to the Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar in Panama City, Fla., as part of a tour of areas affected by the Gulf Coast oil spill.
"This is a big visit for this little town," Pink Pelican owner Rick Dorman says about the first lady's visit.
Business owners on "Main Street" say perhaps the biggest benefit beyond the momentary hype is a lasting connection to the White House and at least some opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions about the economy.
"I'm sure we [will be in touch] in the future," says David Sullivan, president of Industrial Support in Buffalo, N.Y., where President Obama toured in May. "I mean, I met the man, spent 45 minutes talking to him, had pictures taken with him. He met my sons, my wife, my family and everything."
"I would hope in the future that I could send him letters, send him some sort of correspondence, if I see stuff," he adds. "I don't know if I go to a main line, but I met the leader of the best country in the world, so that can only help."
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Comments (Page 4 of 4)
im glad he can afford to eat out while the rest og america strugles to pay bills