Economic impact due to Hernandez trial
By Dana Griffin
@DanaGriffinABC6
FALL RIVER, MA- The Aaron Hernandez murder trial is the biggest trial in
Dozens of cameras, news vehicles and staff have taken over the courthouse and are spending money at nearby establishments.
South Main Street Dunkin Donuts manager, Paul Pereira said they’ve had a 30 percent increase.
They’re taking advantage of the new rules at the courthouse. No cell phones are allowed inside.
“We as a customer service, we’re taking the cell phones. They just have to purchase something and then they leave it with us and we put it in a Ziploc bag and then they come pick it up,” said
They average 60 cell phones a day.
Other restaurants have drawn in customers by adding menu items centered on the case. Taphouse Grille has a ‘guilty’ burger/’not guilty’ wrap.
Inside Cafe Arpeggio, the last two weeks have been busy. The manager said foot traffic fluctuates based on what’s happening in the trial.
“This winter was so bad, the business has helped because it’s one of the times where business is really slow anyways,” said manager, Robert Gould.
Other businesses who have nothing to offer courthouse traffic are feeling effects of the changes too.
Daniel Lopes said finding parking is difficult and annoying.
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