Feeding the thousands: Conway’s restaurants feel demand of Halloween visitors
.JPG "Each year, downtown Conway transforms itself into the City of Halloween, SC. Part of that permitting process that the city files with itself for the festivities includes a clause that allows people to openly drink beer and wine downtown for the month of October.")
First it was traffic, now it’s food.
Conway’s annual Halloween celebration has brought thousands of visitors to the city’s downtown streets since early October.
The City of Halloween, a moniker the city uses this time of year, brings a large economic boost to city businesses. It’s also brought several issues, but overall, the city says it has been a success.
The increased number of pedestrians and vehicles has put a strain on the roadways, causing officials to change traffic patterns and alter certain streets for pedestrians.
The city also added food trucks along Elm Street to provide more meal options, and officials have included tips for those coming to view the Halloween decorations and displays. One of those tips is to make restaurant reservations early or visit the extra food trucks at 200 Laurel and 7 Elm streets.
Restaurants are still feeling the strain from the huge numbers of people. Even the food trucks are struggling to keep up with the demand.
“It’s a wonderful problem,” Tommy Festa, owner of the food truck The Clever Cleaver, said about the large crowds.
Festa’s truck is one of several that are part of the city’s Halloween celebration. He’ll be back again this weekend — the last before the holiday events end.
He’s had to adjust their product, often tapping into items set aside for the next day and then making a store run to replenish his stock. They also have been working late into the evening, some times 10 or 11 p.m., to serve customers, Festa said.
“It’s been a unique challenge to keep up with the demand,” Festa said of the long lines. “It’s been non-stop from the time the events are starting.”
Restaurants located in the heart of downtown have also felt the impact.
Leone’s Italian Deli, 337 Main St., ran out of bread one evening, but has been able to prep and keep up with the demand, according to Kevin Leone.
“It’s been incredibly busy,” Leone said, “I look at it as a good thing.”
Hop N Wich, 1029 Third Ave., prepared every week, but still the restaurant “ran out of things a couple of times,” said general manager Jasmine Herstine.
“We’re definitely ready for a break,” Herstine said.
