Capitola Labor Day weekend tourism impacts

CAPITOLA, Calif. (KION-TV): With Labor Day weekend just starting, many cities like Capitola are likely going to see an influx of visitors.

The owner of Zelda’s said he hopes this weekend is a good one because previous years have not been too great.

“Ever since Covid, things have started to take a dive for the holidays and with prices going up, everything has been harder for people to make their way out," said Joshua Whitby, head chef and owner of Zelda's.

And not just Covid Whitby said, but also in 2023 the winter storms closed his restaurant for almost four months because of the damages. He said there were some damages earlier this year, but not as much as the 2023 winter storms.

That is why he hopes this three day weekend is a good one for his business.

“Hopefully one last hooray of some summertime business coming through before the weather turns,” said Whitby.

Whitby said he is very excited for businesses like the Boat and Bait shop opening on the Capitola Wharf after the building had to be demolished because of storm damage earlier this year.

Some people who are visiting Capitola said because of all the damage, they want to continue supporting small businesses.

“We’re a believer in keeping the money local," said Ken Przymiersky, who lives in Vacaville. "Supporting local family businesses, just trying to make a living.”