NFL Draft Boosts Local Businesses: Sauced and Local Pig Pigwich Share Insights on the Unpredictable Nature of Major Events

In 2023, Union Station in Kansas City played host to the NFL Draft, providing local businesses with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the excitement firsthand. Jaiaun Smith, owner of Sauced, was one such business owner who took full advantage of this opportunity. He credits the NFL Business Connect Program with helping his business grow exponentially.

Smith, a native of Kansas City, was thrilled to be selected as a personal chef for the draft. He describes the experience as incredible and says that being in the middle of all the action helped put his business on the map. As a result, gross profits increased significantly and he was able to hire more staff.

On the other hand, Alex Pope, co-owner of Local Pig and Pigwich in City Market, didn’t see the same boost in business during the draft. While their restaurant saw an increase in customers, their meat market was much quieter than usual – only about 5% busier than a typical week in April. Despite stocking up on items early, Pope advises businesses at future locations to consider how people will leave the event and plan accordingly – don’t buy too many perishable products that can go to waste.