Businesses prepare for increase in foot traffic thanks to SEMO Family Weekend, War for the Wheel

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - It’s a weekend full of family and football, and area businesses are gearing up for an increase in foot traffic.

“When you can get 8 to 10,000 people right at your doorstep, it always makes for a great weekend.”

Chris Marchi owns Mary Jane Bourbon + Smokehouse in Cape Girardeau.

“SEMO is a huge part of our community, and since we are right here at the footsteps of Houck Stadium, the athletic department and how good the athletic department has become really has affected our business in a positive.”

Events like SEMO Family Weekend have been a big boost for his business.

“We’ll be busy on a Friday night. We’ll be busy all day Saturday. We’ll be busy Sunday morning before the parents leave. So, when the parents come into town, the students kind of want to show