As the Republican National Convention took over downtown Milwaukee this past week, restaurants and bars were hopeful of the economic impact hosting a big event could bring to the city. 

Milwaukee doesn’t host big events like the Super Bowl or other events that showcase the city, so this was set to be a first of its kind as nearly 50,000 people descended on the city. Still, some restaurants just outside the hard security perimeter of the convention didn’t see the business they were hoping for.