The DNC put Chicago in the limelight, but it also emptied the Loop of office workers, hurting some restaurants. ‘It was mostly a bad week.’

Chicago stepped into the limelight this week as host of the Democratic National Convention, with Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Democratic Party winning praise for hosting an event without serious disruptions. But even though the roughly 50,000 attendees enjoyed raucous nights at the United Center, parties on Navy Pier and perfect sunny days, many downtown business owners said it was a tough week. “We lost around 60 to 70% of our lunchtime business,” said Brad Alaoui, chief operating officer of Roanoke Hospitality and operator of The Roanoke restaurant at 135 W.

Madison St. “The Loop was a real ghost town. It was scary how slow it was.

” City officials said the convention would raise Chicago’s profile and boost downtown businesses, but many employers, worried about congestion and possible disorder stemming from protests, advised workers to stay home during the four-day convention, robbing restaurants and stores of their regular customers. “For us, it was mostly a bad week,” said Zach Flanzman, chief operating officer of Brown Bag Seafood Co., a fast-casual restaurant with several downtown spots.

“Our customers are office workers who are usually here Tuesday through Thursday, and when they’re not, we struggle.” Brown Bag restaurants in Lincoln Park and Roscoe Village did ring up above-average sales, he added, with many locals strolling over from their at-home offices. But the extra business up north didn’t make up for what happened in the Loop, where revenu.