Local businesses see boost in foot traffic with ANA Inspiration underway
The ANA Inspiration is underway and, it’s bringing thousands of people to the Coachella Valley, with many of them spending their money locally.
Batches of coffee are being made for the morning rush, at Koffi in Rancho Mirage, however these batches aren’t being sold to the public, but shipped for the ANA Inspiration.
“We had a lot of people working there, also here coming for coffee and groups in the morning. It was amazing,” Roy Wold, the supervisor at Koffi in Rancho Mirage, said.
He says foot traffic has increased with the golf tournament underway, and the business has provided 85 gallons of coffee for them.
“Our business increases so much. Our downtown stores in Palm Springs…nonstop,” Wold said.
That’s thanks to thousands of fans coming out to watch the world’s best female golfers duke it out on the course. According to a 2016 study, both the ANA Inspiration and CareerBuilder Challenge combined to contribute over $7 million to the local economy. Tournament executive director Kevin Hopkins says fans are already making an impact.
“That equates to thousands of hotel rooms and it equates to us spending money at the local restaurants and shops,” he said.
Michael’s Cafe in Cathedral City is also certainly feeling the impact. Owner Cliff Hibo said his business doubles during this time of year.
“As a business owner, it’s ideal,” he said. “Everybody’s got to eat, and it’s right down the street and it’s convenient.”
Hibo said this financial boost provides a last hurrah before a normally slower season hits.
“Once Easter hits and temperatures rise it’s over,” he said. “After Easter, it’s pretty much over.”
Ultimately, the hope is the golf fans that turn out will eventually become return customers.
“So if you like the coffee, come back here and have more,” Wold said.
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