Twin Cities Restaurants Prepare For Citrus Bowl Crowds
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Twin Cities restaurants are gearing up for the Citrus Bowl.
Even though the game is in Orlando, Fla., Buffalo Wild Wings regional manager Sue Benson said the Gopher team excitement should help restaurants gain many customers on New Year's Day.
"From a business standpoint, we are very excited about it," Benson said.
Benson said the restaurant relies on TCF Bank Stadium since it is right across the street, so a good year for the Gophers has meant a good year for business.
Thanks to this bowl game, Benson said she is expecting big crowds on game day, even during winter break when campus clears out.
"There has been a lot of buzz locally," Benson said. "We are adding more space on our patio for more bar area."
Off-campus restaurants are also competing for fans to stop in and catch the game.
Alary's Bar in St. Paul tweeted it will be serving up free burgers and brats during the Citrus Bowl game.
The Depot Tavern in the heart of downtown Minneapolis is hosting the Missouri Tigers alumni watch party.
The General Manager Nathan Kranz said he is hoping for a good mix of Gopher and Tiger fans to liven up the rivalry.
Kranz said the restaurant will feature happy hour prices from 11a.m. to 6 p.m.
"It makes it more fun. Fill the place up and get some energy going," he said.
The business owners also said the time of a game is crucial for business.
They said earlier kick off times often keep people from coming in for lunch, but the noon start to the Citrus Bowl game is the perfect recipe for success.