Local businesses have mixed opinions about Pokemon Go wanderers

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)-Pokemon Go is the craze that has taken over the nation and here in Lexington it’s no different. In fact, Thoroughbred Park is actually a popular meetup spot for players to start their night before carrying on playing downtown for hours long.

It’s the game that has everyone’s noses pointed at the ground. So much so it was even hard starting our interview

David Disponett, one of the managers with the Lexington Pokemon Go Facebook Group, tells ABC 36’s Diane Gerstenfeld, “It’s like you show up and all the Pokemon I want to catch…all the type of Pokemon I’ve been trying to catch all day are like showing up.”

He helps lead a group that only started in the past week.

“I’m really surprised that we’re getting on an hourly basis like 10 to 15 to 20 people asking to be part of our Facebook group. And it’s just people are posting stuff. I have not seen people this active and interactive with people they don’t know in I don’t know in my whole entire life.”

It’s a phenomenon that’s got people so hooked local businesses are starting to cater to them.

Patrick Burchett, Marketing Manager with Joseph-Beth Booksellers, says, “We sort of love it here. just from a nostalgia standpoint.”

Joseph-Beth Booksellers is one of five poke-stops and a gym found at Lexington Green.

“We’re getting a lot more foot traffic which is great and the fact that we have Pokemon products actually lets us engage those customers with products that they’re interested in already walking in the door.”

The bookstore’s bistro even serves up drinks like a “Pikachu Punch” to cater to the kids and adults alike.

But for Palmers, next door, the phenomenon isn’t as welcome.

ABC 36’s Diane Gerstenfeld asks Palmers Assistant Manager Laurie Roberts, “How much of a nuisance has it been?”

She says, “I mean when we’re at our peak hours during dinner and during our busy lunches, it kind of gets in the way. Where they just don’t pay attention.”

They’re so distracted she says one player almost ended up wandering in the kitchen.

“I guess that’s a hot spot. That is where there’s a Pokemon that they want to catch.”

But Disponett says for the most part business are on board and happy for the added customers as long as people are respectful

He says, “I mean you do need to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t let the game take over your life.”

Last night in California two men fell off an ocean bluff while playing the game. But the Lexington Police Department says haven’t been any local incidents or injuries resulting from the game.