June 18--Thursday's Stanley Cup parade won't be Dave Yanda's first time at the rodeo.
The general manager of the Park Grill and its outdoor Plaza at Millennium Park has survived and enjoyed two Stanley Cup parades, so the third, he said, should be a breeze -- and an opportunity.
With tens of thousands expected to line the streets of the Loop on Thursday, that means big bucks for some businesses and big challenges for others.
For restaurants, it's taking advantage of the throngs of potential patrons, while managing the flow of pedestrians who might just be stopping in to use the bathroom. For area residences, office buildings and hotels it's ensuring the area is safe for people who live and work there, while managing to enjoy the fun.
On South Michigan Avenue, the Park Grill is opening three hours early, at 8 a.m., hoping to attract fans. To manage the rush, Yanda has doubled the number of staff working from a typical busy day to about 225, he said. He's also beefed up security from two staffers to eight. "It's a matter of having all hands on deck, having enough product to sell people and having a secure and fun environment," he said.
Italian Village, on West Monroe Street, has instructed staff to arrive at work early and gently handle revelers who will be stopping in just to use the bathroom. "It's a delicate balance to be courteous and gracious," said marketing manager Pam Capitanini, adding that she's unsure whether the parade will result in higher sales. "We're hoping for the best."
Some office and residential buildings are adding security at their entrances as well as building perimeters, according to Sharene Shariatzadeh, executive director at the Chicago Cultural Mile Association, a local business group.
At the Blackstone Hotel, the Michigan Avenue entrance will be closed and visitors will be asked to use the hotel's entrance on Balbo. Additional staff and security will also be on hand to help out, according to general manager Kim Corrigan. She's also encouraging staff to wear their Blackhawks gear and head out to mingle with the crowd if they have time in their schedule.
The Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum are offering special admission deals, but Field spokeswoman Emily Waldren said the museum doesn't expect the day to be any different than a Bears game or Lollapalooza. "It's one day of many," she said. "We're used to it."
Hotels are advising guests that it will be tough to hail cabs, and the Millennium Garages are encouraging drivers to allow extra time for travel anywhere in the area. "Despite any inconvenience, the general feeling is 'Hooray Hawks,'" Shariatzadeh said.
crshropshire@tribpub.com
