Boarded Windows at Cafe Old Nelson (Credit: Shruthi Narayanan)
PHILADELPHIA - The nation’s first capitol was crowded on Saturday morning as thousands of demonstrators gathered despite grey skies and constant drizzles of rain, wearing customized 'No Kings' hats and carrying protest signs through the city's commercial district.
While the streets of Philadelphia filled with participants expressing their political views, businesses throughout the busy downtown area faced difficult operational decisions about whether to maintain normal weekend schedules or implement security precautions.
Varied Business Responses
Businesses in Center City Philadelphia each approached their Saturday plans differently as crowds gathered for the demonstration. The responses ranged from maintaining normal operations to implementing protective measures, with establishments citing various factors in their decision-making process.
Some businesses determined that the protests would not alter their intended scheduling. At the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Gift Shop, employees remained mindful of previous demonstrations while staying open. "We have to stay open because we have events," said one employee, noting the building's glass construction. "The walls are all glass."
The memories and experiences of 2020 protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, influenced some establishments' preparations, with staff expressing awareness of how previous demonstrations had affected local businesses.
Security Measures and Normal Operations
Just around the corner from the Academy, Cafe Old Nelson joined other establishments in boarding up their windows and doors with wooden planks as a precautionary measure. The protective coverings reflected concerns about potential property damage during the demonstration.
Conversely, Foods On First Diner welcomed customers with no intention of altering their hours or closing early. Staff emphasized their commitment to serving the community regardless of the day's events. "We have to be for everybody who is going to be hungry," said one employee when asked whether the protest would impact the diner's operating hours.
Complex Decision-Making Process
The choice to remain open or implement security measures on Saturday involved considerations beyond typical business operations. For many establishments, the 'No Kings' protests created decisions that extended beyond standard profitability and customer service calculations.
Business owners and managers weighed multiple factors including public perception, potential property damage, staff safety, and their establishments' political positioning within the community. Some prioritized maintaining normal service to customers, while others focused on protecting their physical assets.
Community Impact
The demonstration highlighted the intersection between civic engagement and commercial activity in Philadelphia's downtown core. Many protesters expressed confidence that the gathering would remain peaceful, though business owners drew on various experiences and perspectives in making their operational decisions.
The diverse approaches taken by Center City establishments reflected the complex considerations businesses face when large-scale demonstrations occur in commercial areas. From maintaining scheduled events to implementing protective measures, each business navigated the balance between community engagement, operational continuity, and security concerns.
The 'No Kings' protest represented another instance of Philadelphia's role as a venue for political expression, with local businesses adapting their operations to accommodate the democratic process while protecting their interests.
