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Have The TinCaps Helped Downtown Business?

By Brien McElhatten
June 18, 2010 Updated Jul 20, 2009 at 10:16 PM EST

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - While Parkview Field was going up, many downtown business owners were hoping their profits would go up as well, but have they?

"I think everyone is going for the ballpark experience," said Donna Kessler, who owns Calhoun Street Soups Salads and Spirits. "But definitely people seeing the building and noticing we're here because they've been driving by.

Kessler says her business doesn't necessarily spike before and after games, but she's noticed more downtown traffic, and more people walking in her restaurant.

Across town at 816 Pint and Slice, business is booming at the corner eatery. Just ask operating partner Angie Twiss.

"Before the games we get a much bigger dinner crowd then we were getting pre-season. A lot of people have never seen or heard of us before and they'll come through anyhow," said Twiss.

Pint and Slice management made the decision to open on Sunday during game season to bring in customers. It's a trend that many restaurant owners are trying this season.

"People come in here for dinner, have a couple of drinks, go over to the game then come back for a little more," said Jeff Salamone, owner of the Thirsty Camel.

Salamone says he doesn't normally open on Monday's. but fires up the grill during Monday games.

Back at Calhoun Street, owner Donna Kessler has extended her hours of operation by 3 hours, keeping her doors open until 11pm.

"When baseball season is done, we'll probably scale back to our winter hours of 9 0'clock," said Kessler.

While business may not be booming at every pub and eatery this season, most owners agree that downtown Fort Wayne is now a destination-something that they say, is always good for business.



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