Hilton Head Island recently wrapped up the RBC Heritage, marking the peak week of the year for many local businesses. Max Goodman, General Manager at Quarterdeck, noted an unprecedented turnout, with Friday’s crowd being the largest ever seen at Harbour Town. Lines to board buses stretched for thousands, illustrating the immense popularity of the event.
The surge in visitors didn’t just impact establishments near the golf course; businesses miles away, like Skillets Cafe and Grille in Coligny, also experienced a significant uptick in business. Amie Caima, the cafe’s owner, remarked that they were bustling all week, with patrons fueling up before heading to the tournament and continuing to patronize the eatery afterward.
Caima highlighted the favorable calendar alignment this year, with the Heritage not coinciding with Easter, providing three consecutive bustling weeks for local businesses. The increased foot traffic from Spring Break through Easter has revitalized the area, signaling the start of the busy season.
Both Quarterdeck and Skillets Cafe and Grille are gearing up for sustained business, with reservations already maxed out for the coming week. Despite logistical challenges, such as space constraints and transportation logistics, businesses have adapted to meet the heightened demand, ensuring a successful and lucrative week for Hilton Head Island’s economy.