The 2023 NFL Draft was a significant event for businesses in Kansas City, with Union Station serving as the prime location. Jayaun Smith, owner of Sauced, credited the NFL Business Connect Program for helping his business reach new heights. Smith recalled the excitement he felt when he received the call from the program, describing it as an unreal moment.
Being in the center of all the action during the draft significantly boosted Sauced’s visibility and profitability. Smith noted a substantial increase in gross profit, allowing the business to hire more employees and expand its operations. The surge in orders and foot traffic on Fridays following the draft has been a significant blessing for the business.
For Smith, being selected as a personal chef for the draft was a dream come true, especially as a native of Kansas City. Seeing his business benefit from the draft experience made the whole event even more special for him. In City Market, however, Alex Pope, co-owner of Local Pig and Pigwich, had a slightly different experience. Despite being located along the streetcar route, Pope found that
