LITTLE VILLAGE — As far as Martin Guerrero is concerned, the neighborhood needs more events like Riot Fest.
His restaurant, Guerrero's Pizza, is at 2024 S. California Ave., is right next to the Pink Line station that many fest goers used to get to Douglas Park, which hosted the fest.
"We had a ton of business this weekend, a lot of people coming by from the festival," he said. "We definitely benefited from being the closest restaurant to the festival, but I heard from other owners down on Cermak that they got more business too."
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He said events like the fest could lead to stronger businesses.
"It encourages a lot of jobs around here, and that's what we need," he said. "Like I need to be able to hire people, for cleaning and stuff, and that's a lot easier when we get more business. Jobs are what this area really needs."
Alejandro Ixehucti, who opened Pancho Pistolas taqueria at 3011 W. Cermak Rd. less than a month before the fest, also welcomed the customers on their way to and from the concert.
"We only opened three weeks ago, so I can't really compare to past weekends, but yeah, we had some business here on Saturday," Ixehucti said. His business was closed on Sunday.
The fest happened during a "slow start" for Pancho Pistolas.
"We need[ed] a boost," he said.
Like Guerrero, he was all for more happenings in the park and neighborhood.
"I really would like to see more [events] like that around here, anything that brings movement," he said. "It would just be good for everyone."
Agreed Guerrero: "I don't know why they only do this thing once a year. We need it to happen more than that."
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