Graduation weekend boosts local economy
By Bianca Buono
@BBuonoABC6
Thousands of college graduates walked across the stage in Providence this weekend to receive their diplomas. Their families were there to witness the big moment and to celebrate afterward and that is boosting the local economy.
"I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. I’m obviously excited to continue what I learned in school and apply it to a real world setting,” said Providence College graduate Kyle Dillaway.
The graduates aren’t the only ones celebrating. The restaurant industry is also reaping the benefits of these newly acquired diplomas.
"It’s definitely packed there’s not an open seat in the house,” said Chris Yattaw of Centro Restaurant and Lounge.
More than a thousand degrees were handed out at Providence College’s commencement ceremony Sunday and with those graduates come their families. Many of them traveled from out of state.
"We love Providence. We love the whole state of Rhode Island,” said Carolyn Dillaway who came from New Jersey to watch her son graduate.
Restaurants and hotels across the state have been preparing for this weekend almost as much as the graduates.
"We anticipate a lot of business so we normally staff so make sure the kitchen is ready to handle the excess business,” said Yattaw.
"There’s a lot of preparation involved. You look at all the guests coming in, a lot of involvement. Making sure you get the right ordering, making sure you’re taking care of the guests,” said Douglas Ducharme of Legal Sea Foods.
They say graduation weekends give days like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day a run for their money.
"It’s very important for the restaurant business. I think overall for the whole city including the rest of Providence,” Yattaw said.
Restaurants and hotels are expected to stay busy for the next three weekends with Brown, Johnson and Wales and RISD’s graduations.
© WLNE-TV 2016
