Marathon brings back business for some, a sense of normalcy for many

BROOKLINE, Mass. — Patrons still packed Hamilton restaurant in Coolidge Corner hours after the Boston Marathon ended.

“It’s really wonderful and just being able to support the Brookline community and while also supporting all our runners was really cool,” said Madison Clark, of Brookline.

Clark and her friend were at the marathon all day. They spent five hours along the route cheering on runners and then headed to get a bite.

“It brings a lot of people together a lot of our friends got together and we all went to Hamilton’s afterward,” said Kathy Foley, of Brookline.

The owner of Hamilton’s was ecstatic. He expected a crowd, but nothing like the one that showed up.

“No, I didn’t think it was going to be this busy. It’s been great. It’s great to see people out and enjoying themselves,” said Greg Johnston, who owns Hamilton.

But not all businesses were busy.

“Commerce is way down compared to a normal Monday. But that’s just part of it,” said David Leschansky a business owner.

He says his business Eureka Puzzles is open because of the marathon.

“A very welcome return for everybody,” said Leschinsky.

Leshinsky is also Chairman of the Coolidge Corner Merchant Association. He tells Boston 25 that the marathon is not usually big business day.

“During the marathon itself both us and our fellow merchants here don’t really get much business on marathon day,” said Leschansky.

But the big crowds outside and inside left many happy to get a taste of normalcy.

“Yeah I think this was a really good marker for realizing that things are returning back to how they used to be in Boston,” said Foley.

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