Helen Davenport said there’s “no question” the World Cup has brought business to her bar.
“It’s certainly made an impact,” the owner of Gatsby’s Pub and Eatery on Spring Garden Road said on Thursday.
Davenport said the international soccer event has attracted customers who may not normally stop into Gatsby’s for a pint and a slice.
“On the soccer days, we’ve improved our business by at least 50 per cent,” said Davenport, who lived in Spain for 20 years.
Davenport has even invested in her business to accommodate for the event. She purchased a 106-inch TV for the main bar area and an additional 52-inch TV for another room.
George Eleftheros, manager of Niche, said his patio has been crammed with soccer fans every game day. The restaurant has set up an outdoor big screen television that often lures customers strolling down Barrington Street, he said.
Soccer shops in the region have also scored a few bucks.
Ranga Rankaduwa, part-owner of Soccer Stop in Halifax, said he can’t keep his authentic national team jersey on the shelves.
“People see it on TV and want to be a part of it,” he said. “It’s a time of year when soccer is on everybody’s mind.”
Get there early
Expect bars across the city to be jammed on Sunday afternoon for the gold medal game between Spain and the Netherlands. Game time is 3:30 p.m.
