Inglewood business owners say new venues are 'choking' their business

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (KABC) -- When all the new event venues in Inglewood first began popping up, many small business owners thought business would be booming.

However, according to some, that hasn't been the case.

"One of my lowest sales days was on Super Bowl Sunday. Why? Because first of all, Prairie was completely blocked off," said Karolyn Plummer, who owns Sweet Red Peach bakery on Prairie Avenue, right across the street from SoFi Stadium.

"I literally made under $600 for the day," she said. "I had to send employees home, and you're just looking around like, 'What in the world?'"

Plummer and a group of other small business owners held a press conference Tuesday to share their concerns about the impact of the city's newest developments.

Kenny's Q BBQ & More! Owner Kenny Taitt said business at his restaurant has dropped about 50% due to construction in the area.

"Now I'm down to five employees and myself working all day," he said.

Between events at the Kia Form, SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater and the Intuit Dome, business owners said the traffic keeps away their loyal customers who help keep their lights on.

They claim the city of Inglewood encourages people to stay away from the area when they anticipate large crowds.

Lia Jones, the owner of Champ City Bar & Lounge, said the traffic control on days when there are big events blocks off access to their business.

"No one is saying we don't want these venues here. What we're saying is plan accordingly," she said. "Do not go on your social media page and tell the City Of Inglewood, 'Do not come to Prairie.' We depend on the traffic on Prairie. Do not tell people do not go to Century. Plan accordingly."

Business owners and community leaders are asking for a meeting with the venue owners and the Inglewood City Mayor James Butts to discuss solutions.

Community activist Yolanda Davidson said nine years ago, she brought up this issue to the mayor before SoFi Stadium was built.

"I asked the mayor that day, 'What would he do for Inglewood residents and small businesses?,' said Davidson. "I did not receive an answer that day, and I still have not received an answer to this day."

The mayor's office released a detailed statement in response to the concerns, saying they are "far from pushing out small businesses," citing at least 30 that have been "introduced or sought out by the venues to cater venue sponsored events or to sell their products on the property of the venues."

The statement said the city has distributed $3.4 million in Champions grants at $20,000 per small business.

The city also addressed traffic and construction concerns, saying they're continuing to research traffic mitigation alternatives.

"For 5 years the City has researched, planned and assembled $2 billion for the construction of a monorail, the Inglewood Transit Connector to connect the K-Line to relieve congestion on Florence, Manchester, Prairie, Century and Imperial. A few small businesses were in opposition to the project," the statement read.

The city also noted that no tax breaks were given and no city funds were expended for the construction of either venue. They also said there wasn't an increase in business taxes during that period.

The statement also says that business license certificates granted in the city of Inglewood jumped from 12, 252 in 2020 (the year SoFi Stadium opened) to 15,559 in 2024.