When SHN presents a Broadway show at the Curran, Golden Gate and Orpheum theatres thousands of people get into the act. From an economic standpoint, SHN has the lead role in stimulating the businesses surrounding its three theatres—the restaurants, hotels, shops and service businesses catering to theatergoers—and to furthering the City’s reputation as a premier destination for the arts. As the major theatrical entertainment company in the Bay Area, SHN fueled an estimated $90,475,000* in spending in 2007 alone.

"SHN draw thousands of visitors to San Francisco each year to enjoy the very best in theatrical productions,” notes Mayor Gavin Newsom. “SHN is another “Only in San Francisco” experience complemented by our world-class hotels and restaurants, nightclubs, cable cars, scenic hills and the iconic landmarks. SHN plays an important role in what makes San Francisco the remarkable city we call home, providing a vital boost to our local economy, creating and sustaining jobs, and helping to solidify San Francisco’s position as one of America’s top cultural centers and travel destinations.”

What does a theatrical production really represent to the community besides enhancing the cultural landscape? Definitely increased revenue for businesses that cater to the theatergoer, and jobs for a highly specialized contingent.

According to Mr. Holland, “when the three theatres are running, SHN employs over 250 theatrical professionals including local stagehands, musicians, wardrobe, house and box office professionals. That doesn't include theatre security and our administrative staff.”

A touring production may provide up to 6 weeks of work for the local theatre crew. A Pre-Broadway show, one that opts to try out in San Francisco before opening in New York, will have several additional weeks built into the schedule for pre-production. When a show “sits down” for an extended run such as the recent smash hit Jersey Boys, the financial ripple effect is dramatic. Over 500,000 people came to see the show at the Curran Theatre from December 2006 through September 2007, creating a windfall for for all employed, the outside vendors and surrounding businesses.           

It’s not difficult to informally measure the impact SHN audiences have on businesses convenient to the theatres, specifically the Curran. The Petit Café at Hotel Monaco caters to the theater crowd and, according to Restaurant Supervisor Sergio Alejandro, sees “at least a 30% increase in business when the Curran is on.” Starbucks, directly across from the Curran, also notices a “30% increase in business when the theatre is going. We’ve added sandwiches and have extended hours and added staff for the post theatre crowd,” explains Store Manager Natra Saldivar.        

To many theatergoers, The Daily Grill restaurant is a regular part of the Curran Theatre experience. “We definitely notice a significant increase in business when there’s a show at the Curran Theatre, especially a long-running production,” says Steve Grant, Area Director of The Daily Grill. “We plan for the pre-show rush and anticipate an energized crowd when the curtain comes down.”

The AMPCO Mason and O’Farrell garage views an influx of theatergoers in the evening as a bonus to their monthly parking contracts during the day. “We see over a 10% increase in parking revenue when the Curran is active,” explains Facility Manager Benny Huang.  “But that number does not equate to the increased number of cars in the garage. The flat, $10 rate we offer as a courtesy to theatergoers offsets what would be a proportionate financial increase if we were collecting the standard parking fee.”        

Yvonne Lembi-Detert, Personality Hotels President and CEO, admits that Hotel Diva thrives when the Curran is alive. “Of course, when there are active shows, Hotel Diva receives attention from all the attendees and we love having actors place their handprints into our famous Diva Sidewalk of Fame. The theatre also enables Personality Hotels to create a terrific hotel/theatre package for our guests to enjoy the Diva and simply walk across the street to see the show.”         

Situated next door to the hotel, Colibri Mexican Bistro is convenient for dinner before or drinks after a show. “When the Curran Theatre is operating, we just love it,” insists Colibri Co-owner Eduardo Rallo. “It is definitely not the same when the theatre is dark. We are certainly looking forward for the next show to start and for the opportunity to introduce many more guests to our exquisite food. The theatre not only brings a lot of business to the restaurant but the whole block is just alive!”        

When the theatre district is abuzz, it’s infectious and exhilarating. Live theater is vital to our lives and community—generating jobs, attracting tourists, and spreading cash to the businesses that cater to the theatergoer in a wide variety of industries. SHN is the energizer and a dynamic business partner for San Francisco.

Here’s how the businesses listed above cater to the theatergoer:

The Daily Grill—serves from 7 AM to 10:30 PM, until 10 PM Sun-Tues, to visit their website, click here.
Starbucks—open late every night for after theatre nosh.
Colibri Mexican Bistro—Daily Hours vary; extended hours in summer, to visit their website click here.
Petit Café—open every night until midnight; to visit their website click here.
AMPCO Mason and O’Farrell Parking Garage—$10 flat rate for up to five hours, please ask the theatergoer discount and show your ticket stub.
Hotel Diva—creates special packages for theatergoers; visit their website click here. 

*Based on 700,000 theatergoers with an average ticket price of $75 (SHN), an average $48 for a meal and a drink per person (2007 Zagat guide stats) average $12.50 for parking or cab fare per party of 2  (examine.com 2007 stat).

Jersey Boys photo: Cece Hugo
Curran theatre photo: David Allen

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