Local businesses prepare for Coachella 2023 crowds

The opening weekend of Coachella 2023 is just days away which means local businesses are gearing up for large crowds.

Over 120,000 people attended the world–renowned festival per day in 2022 which led to a surge in revenue for some valley businesses.

Richard Thomas, a part-owner of his family's business L & G Desert Store, has been prepping for Coachella crowds every year since the festival began.

“All the snowbirds have left us...so we really welcome the crowds from this time of year. It's really good timing for us," said Thomas.

Business owners like Thomas have learned what to stock up for festival-goers in advance.

“We have like five freezers full of ice right now. We have a beer cave full of beer and plenty of water pallets," said Thomas.

Although Thomas is looking forward to seeing a boost in sales, he and other local business owners say that they've seen less impressive numbers than in years past. Thomas says that the decline in sales are most likely linked to increased on-site vendors at the festival and less crowding in the streets.

“We liked it when it was a little less-organized because there were more people straggling, more people running around looking for the concert. Now, everybodys streamlined right in.”

A similar story is brewing over at the Vintage Coffee House, where owner Kristin May, says that her usual crowd of 150 to 200 per day will grow to 600 to 800 by this weekend.

May says she's prepping for the opening weekend by making gallons of festival favorites.

“I just made 30 gallons of cold brew right now. Tomorrow, I'll do the same thing." said May.

While accommodating large crowds takes a lot of leg work, May says she is looking forward to welcoming valley visitors in the coming days.

“This year, I think it's gonna be great too," May said.