Local businesses preparing for surge of visitors for 2022 BNP Paribas Open
Tennis Paradise is back and thousands of fans from around the world will be in the valley for the 2022 BNP Paribas Open. It's set to run from March 7-20.
Businesses near the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, where the tournament is taking place, have been preparing for the surge in visitors. The challenges of labor and supply shortages have plagued many valley businesses which have made it harder to keep up with demand.
The last BNP Paribas Open was in October 2021. Back in the fall, BNP Paribas open officials said the fall edition of the tournament brought about 200,000 fans. However, they estimated the spring tournament would bring about 500,000 fans.
Tuscano's and Brew Quinta is one of the businesses near the tournament that's expecting to get busier.
"We've actually been running out of food lately. And that's because we've been busy. We haven't been busy the whole year and now that the tournament starting we have been," said Tuscano's supervisor Justina Yanez. "I'm nervous because we need to make sure we have enough staff here-- enough servers because we haven't been able to."
She said Tuscano's is already short on food until Tuesday's shipment. Their plan ahead of the surge of visitors is to ask current workers to stay a couple more hours when needed and double their food shipment order.
Old Town La Quinta will also be one of the popular spots for visitors. Wells Marvin is the developer of Old Town and says it's the busiest two weeks of the year for businesses in that area.
"They are completely staffed up and they're taking as many deliveries as they possibly can handle," said Marvin.
California Cafe recently opened in Old Town with a full staff. However, there have been price increases on ingredients making some menu items a little more expensive.
"There's been quite a bit of inflation. And yes, sometimes it's hard to find things. Avocados have been in short supply lately for our avocado toast," said Marvin. "We look forward to welcoming people from around the world and making them loyal customers that come back year after year."
