RNC no boon to some downtown Tampa businesses

Downtown Tampa restaurants brought in extra staff and supplies to ready for the rush of delegates attending the Republican National Convention this week. But it’s been a bust for local eateries that are positioned behind the security perimeter where inside delegates are well fed.

Pizza Fusion general Manager Michael Przybycin stressed that he’s not making a political statement. Rather, it’s just about foot traffic. “I’ve spent the day walking around downtown, and all the managers of the other restaurants are standing outside asking, ‘Where are all the customers?’”

Regular customers are also avoiding the area due to security concerns, according to the Tampa Bay Tribune.