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 Chris Gordon
General Manager,
Cheesecake Factory
For the past six years, Chris Gordon has managed one of downtown Seattle's largest restaurants, overseeing 11 managers and staff of between 175 and 200. He clocks them all in when big citywide conventions are at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, right across the street.
How much of the Cheesecake Factory's business comes from visitors?
There are weeks when certain conventions come to town when it can be easily 50 percent of my business. The dental convention and garden show are big. My sales will jump.
How about leisure travelers?
In summer, a lot of people come on the days that cruise ships sail. A good portion of our guests are families. We're in tune with a lot of things that bring people downtown and we are prepped for large capacity of sales. The Cheesecake Factory fits the lifestyle and entertainment of downtown Seattle. It's a day or a night out for people.
Why does tourism matter?
When people come to our city or state and spend money, that's a good thing. Conventions draw people from smaller areas of the country and from overseas who've never been to the Cheesecake Factory and we're often their first impression. We do no advertising. The Cheesecake Factory is a company that's always had great word of mouth. We're right outside the convention center doors. What could be more high-traffic than 10,000 people coming across the street?
Why does tourism matter to you?
I happen to run a business that relies on it. I love the unique groups of people you meet. They're people who are excited to be in our town.
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