CHICAGO (WLS) — The Democratic National Convention will make getting around Chicago difficult this week, and some companies are asking their employees to work from home.

It could be a quiet week in parts of the city center.

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During lunchtime in the Loop on Monday, Daley Plaza featured food trucks and music, but not a large crowd.

Manhar Patel enjoyed the quiet lunchtime outside. He said he was one of the few Loop employees who had to be in the office.

“Employers are taking precautions as a large influx is expected,” Patel said.

And getting around can be a bit tricky due to the numerous road closures, such as on the Gold Coast.

Many companies are encouraging employees who do not need to be in the office this week to work from home.

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“We are simply operating with as few people in the office as possible out of an abundance of caution,” said Andy Goldberg, managing partner at Laner Muchin.

However, many companies are hoping for a boost from this week’s congress.

However, there are no guarantees.

Michael Hassan owned a restaurant in the Loop during the 1996 convention.

“I was hoping for big crowds. And I actually saw big crowds on the bus going to Michael Jordan, right past my house,” Hassan said.

There are numerous banners hanging all over the city welcoming the DNC and the 50,000 visitors.

“Fifty thousand visitors are a constant challenge, but the media attention that comes with it gives us the opportunity to spread the message that Chicago is open for business,” said Michael Edwards of the Chicago Loop Alliance.

Many restaurant owners and retailers admit they expect sales to increase this week, but it is too early to say for sure.