DNC effect boosts some Chicago small businesses, overlooks others NBC Chicago [Video]

Owners of small businesses near the United Center and McCormick Place are seeing and feeling the impact of the Democratic National Convention, but not everyone in a positive way.

Billy Goat Tavern, just down the street from the UC, where the Chicago DNC hosts its main nightly programming, has been bustling with customers.

“From what I’ve seen, our business has been incredible. We’ve had protestors, police, firemen,” said manager Gail Doherty. “Everybody is coming in and getting along. Our business had two private parties yesterday.”

It’s a different story for Su Taqueria El Rey Del Taco near Paulina and Ogden, just steps away from the vehicle screening checkpoint.

“We did have planned for more employees,” said manager Carla Franco. “We wanted to see the first day, which was Monday. We brought maybe six employees, but once we realized it wasn’t moving as fast, it was a bit calmer, we sent them home.”

The roadblocks and detours made access difficult for …