Philadelphia

Workers Face Logistical Nightmare During Pope's Visit

Businesses will have to come up with some creative solutions to make sure their employees can actually get to work

Some businesses are poised to cash in during the Pope's visit to Philadelphia, especially those closest to the action. But with tight security and 2-million extra people in town, the biggest challenge may be figuring out how to get employees in for work.

"There's just so much to consider," said Mickey Rowley with SkyBrunch at Top of the Tower.

On Sundays, SkyBrunch on the 50th floor at 1717 Arch Street offers breakfast made to order and sweeping views of Center City. It's a prime location to serve the pope's followers, who Rowley hopes will come hungry as they pack The Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sept. 27 when Pope Francis says Mass.

Logistically, he and partner Lou Kochman just have to make it all work.

"Getting staff in? We're actually talking to the building and the building's fitness center about making their showers available so we can have staff on blowup mattresses in-house and ready to work," said Rowley. "We're not interested in paying the hotel rates and there aren't very many rooms available."

The Embassy Suites in Center City, which is now sold out, can demand well over $500 per night. The hotel is the only one within feet of the Basilica and every room has a balcony. It's proximity to the action means traditional guests won't be the only ones occupying the hotel.

"All of the rooftops will be secured with the Secret Service," said Rodney Gooden the hotel's general manager.

Streets around the hotel will be shut down so the hotel is warning guests, "We're saying, 'Don't bring your cars!'"

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