Frankfort— We are less than 30 days from the Ironman 70.3 competition in Frankfort -- drawing nearly two thousand competitors to town.
With an influx of visitors to Frankfort because of Ironman, a number of businesses are preparing for a tourism boost.
“It brings a whole new slew of people that normally wouldn’t come here. They’re following the race circuits,” said Petals and Perks coffee shop owner Chris Mekas.
Mekas said the Ironman draws thousands of people, some of whom will start visiting his shop in the early morning looking for a jolt of caffeine before getting started.
“We buy extra, we pretend that is 4th of July and we just gear up for another July 4th, two months after 4th of July,” said Mekas. “We just get here at 5 a.m., start brewing coffee, start making sure we have enough scones and cinnamon rolls and plenty of cups and baked goods.”
The owner of Vita Bella Italian Kitchen and Market, Dinghies and Slurping Bear said the prep for his restaurants located right in the heart of downtown Frankfort hasn’t been easy and starts months in advance.
“We start planning about a month or two months ahead and figuring out what food we need and what kind of other supplies,” said Carrella. “And as you get used to it, it makes it a lot easier. So, for us we partner with the Ironman, we feed the racers too, so there’s a lot of logistics that are involved.”
While many businesses appreciate the economic boom the Ironman has brought to town over the years, there are a few perceived drawbacks.
“My only frustration is M22, they shut down half the town,” said Mekas. “You can’t cross with your vehicle, but I make plans for that. I get here before the race starts so I can pull in town, but then I can’t leave so I just park my car and walk.”
But overall, most business appreciate the increased tourism and the ability to showcase Frankfort for an event that has a national draw.
“The town itself is 1700 people or so and to have them pick this town as one of their legs of USA race circuit is something special and it’s something fun,” said Mekas. “We don’t have all the amenities with Best Western and Holiday Inn, but we have beauty, and we have something to offer.”
The Ironman competition takes place September 14th.