DAVENPORT - Some stores that stayed open Wednesday in "The Village of East Davenport" had a very successful day.
The "East Village Cafe" on 11th Street was just a block away from President Obama and the crowds Wednesday. Nonetheless, they stayed open and saw a large number of people outside of their door.
"It's really exciting to see people using our property as their quarters," store owner Devin Rojas said.
People stood outside the cafe's door around 6 Wednesday evening. Those were the ones who did not have a ticket to listen to the President. Nonetheless, President Obama coming means a much busier day than normal for the stores.
"I've been here since 5:30 this morning," Rojas said. "I'll be here until at least 8 or 9."
Rojas still hadn't left her store at 8:00 Wednesday evening. She stayed open later than normal Wednesday because many came to sit down while President Obama was speaking. Rojas usually shuts down her store around 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Customers were happy she stayed open late.
"They told us to come over here," customer Loretta Irving said. "They told us it was too warm, so anyways, that's why we're here."
The store served as a shade for many people, and ultimately Rojas said it was worth the long day. She says she met many new people who could become new customers.
"If anything, we've done a little bit better than normal," Rojas said. "Having a tent down in "The Village" helped out a little bit too."
Rojas is referring to a separate tent they used closer to where President Obama was speaking. Ultimately, the store made more than $1,000 Wednesday. Rojas says that is more like a Saturday earning instead of a Wednesday earning for a normal week.