NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. -- Sundays are becoming one of the best days to visit downtown New Port Richey thanks to the monthly event, Sunday in the City.
- Sunday in the City is held every month
- The event is bringing more people to downtown New Port Richey
- Business owners say the event is helping
We first told you about Sunday in the City back in January, which is an effort to bring people downtown.
When Natalie Ciper and her husband decided to open a bar in downtown New Port Richey last year, they did have a few concerns.
"It was really slow. We questioned even opening up on Sundays because we were not getting the business that we were hoping to see," Ciper said.
Those concerns seem to be easing now thanks to Sunday in the City.
The event has been held once a month since January. Businesses hold extended Sunday hours and offer specials and unique activities for families.
The results are coming in.
"It's been great. It's been awesome. It's probably doubled our business at Ordinance One," Ciper said.
The monthly event comes as more entrepreneurs have made downtown New Port Richey their home over the past year.
"The city is moving in a real good direction," said Doug Wharran, owner of the Red Pig BBQ food truck. "With all of these breweries and bars that are opening up around here, the crowds shifted a bit."
Though Sunday in the City is just once a month, the event is creating a lot of repeat customers.
"Now more people know we're here," Ciper said. "They continue to come back on Sunday even if it's not the event specifically."
Sunday in the City is held on the second Sunday of every month. Businesses teamed up with local public relations company, Rock the Boat Productions, to market the event.