Businesses Make Last Minute Preparations Before Pope Arrives In Philadelphia
By Greg Argos
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Business throughout Philadelphia are making last minute preparations before Pope Francis arrives in the City of Brotherly Love.
"(We have) three more days," said Ben Pak, the owner of Corner Deli at Spring Garden and 22nd Street. Pak's deli is within the secure perimeter just blocks from where Pope Francis will hold mass. He says he's been planning and having supplies delivered for weeks prior to the event.
"I will be sleeping right upstairs. Thanks to my landlord, they let me have a vacant apartment for this weekend. (It will be) just pure madness. There will be a loud of crowds of people," said Pak, who says he'll have 15 people working over the weekend, three times the normal amount.
Further south, it's a calmer scene. Rival Brothers Coffee Shop at 24th Street and Lombard is making it clear they will stay open as well, placing a sign outside of their store.
"I think it's the right atmosphere that people will need coffee regardless of what's going on. Even more so a little bit on a crazy weekend," said co-owner Jonathan Adams.
But since the coffee is roasted in house, Adams isn't worried about deliveries during the busy weekend.
"We're going to keep things as even keeled and as regular as possible," Adams said.
"If we're got a line out the door, then great. I'm just going to turn the music up and try to make drinks a little faster," he continued.