Business & Tech

Obama's Visit Draws Mixed Reactions from Businesses

Those in the designated security area will have to close their doors early, while the unaffected businesses welcome the presidential visit.

In two days, the President Barack Obama to Redwood City to host a rally and fundraiser at the for his re-election campaign. Secret Service is requiring the immediate surrounding businesses and to close early to allow for their specific security restrictions to take place.

Though many individual residents have expressed excitement about the national spotlight for Redwood City, some lament the that Secret Service is mandating.

Business owners, like Mary Albitz of , though not in the zoned area, anticipates an incredibly packed parking lot behind her business and is closing her doors early at 3 p.m. like the other affected businesses.

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“From a business standpoint, it’s a negative thing,” Albitz said. “But personally, I think it’s great to have the President here in Redwood City.”

General Manager Chris Dariotis was “not very happy about [the mandatory closure,]” said a fellow employee. Dariotis could not be immediately reached for a direct quote.

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Many employees at the Old Spaghetti Factory and the surrounding restaurants will have to leave early, meaning no pay, or reduced pay, for that day.

Employees from other restaurants that weren’t affected by the closure, like , viewed the visit as a positive event.

They won’t have any special menus that night, but will be serving any hungry customers, said General Manager Edmond Zencirci.

“This really puts Redwood City on the map,” he said. “And any publicity is good publicity.”


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