It's no secret that the legislative session is among the busiest times of year for local businesses. So what happens when the session ends and lawmakers head home?
Adams Street power lunches become less common, and downtown roads are more apt to be crowded with college students in shorts than lobbyists in suits. Still, local businesses forge on, offering promotions and upping their services to keep customers interested during the summer dry spell.
"It's a drastic drop-off for us," said Jack Penrod, general manager of the downtown Andrew's restaurants.
In March and April, those restaurants -- Andrew's Capital Grill & Bar and its more upscale sibling, Andrew's 228 -- are packed. But come May, when many regulars skip town, the establishments start drawing up other plans.
Fewer staff members are scheduled to work, Penrod said, and summer specials hit the menu. At Andrew's 228, for example, diners can order a four-course meal for two for about $45. Employees are also considering turning Sunday evenings into Mexican-themed nights.
May and June are among the slowest months of the year for visitors in Tallahassee, said Mark Bonn, a professor at Florida State University. From January through March, he said, Tallahassee rakes in around $190 million from visitors in the area. During the July-September period, that number drops to $127 million.
Katie Kole, marketing communications director for Visit Tallahassee, likes talking up the city's year-round attractions to lure tourists.
"I always love to recommend the Tallahassee Museum and Mission San Luis," she said.
She also said a big July 4 celebration is in the works to encourage tourism and give local businesses a boost. Because the holiday falls on a Sunday this year, an entire weekend of events is planned, including a blues and barbecue festival on Kleman Plaza.
Downtown stores and restaurants are taking other steps to ensure they stay in good shape, too.
At 101 Restaurant, the legislative session is an important time of year. But by catering to other crowds after the session ends, the restaurant maintains a stream of customers, said Ken Lovelace, its bar manager.
101 Restaurant is part of a trio of downtown establishments. Its sister operations, Mint Lounge and Versailles Lounge, can help keep business strong, Lovelace said.
Like Andrew's, 101 also offers specials. Happy hour is every day from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m., and customers can buy any drink at half-price.
For some businesses in the heart of Tallahassee, though, the end of the legislative session doesn't necessarily signal a major downturn.
Victor Gavalas, president of Nic's Toggery, said lawmakers' annual two-month assembly is certainly one of the busiest times of year (along with the holiday season). Still, Nic's has been in business for decades, so Gavalas is confident that good service and high-quality products are enough of an incentive for shoppers.
"It's about just trying to take care of whatever they need," he said.
Besides, he pointed out, state business continues at the Capitol even when the Legislature isn't meeting, and political types who travel to Tallahassee for the session often arrive a month or two early, giving Nic's more chances to sell its suits and other business-wear.
"We just do what we've done for the last 60 years," Gavalas said.
Lyndsey Lewis can be reached at llewis@sunshinestatenews.com or (850) 727-0859.
