Local small businesses cash in on the Essence Fest crowd [Video]

The Essence Festival is happening now, and it’s creating a business boom with the extra cash flow helping local businesses.In the French Quarter, small businesses are taking advantage of all the extra foot traffic and for Brittney Walker, owner of the B-Sweets Bistro, business is booming.”I’m expecting a large crowd and anticipating who’s going to walk through the doors because you never know who you’re going to see. Yesterday, insane. Today when I first opened, insane. I have not really had a chance to take a break, stop, pause,” said Walker.The small business owner said major events like the Essence Festival bring in the crowds, giving her a needed boost.”I decided to extend my hours. That’s something I’ve never done. Last year it was crazy, but I closed at my regular hours. I kind of got a feeling how the crowd would be but this is another level,” said Walker.And …