COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Local business owners say even with the Ohio State Buckeyes being on the road for the highly anticipated match against the Texas Longhorns, they are still expecting one of the busiest weekends of the football season.
The managers we spoke with say these weekends are why they get into the hospitality business.
“I mean, the excitement is in the air,” said Eric Faix, the general manager of Grandview Cafe.
Fans normally at the horseshoe will flock to local businesses causing a big economic boom. Faix said they always see a boost in alcohol sales on game day, but they are expecting Saturday to be extremely busy.
“I’ll be here all day, but I love it. I do. I look forward to it a lot. Yeah. I mean, really, all hands on deck, as you said, everybody’s kind of ready and pumped up,” Faix said.
Faix said they’ve been busy getting staff ready and stocking up products.
At Parlay Sporting Club and Kitchen in the Short North, general manager James Taylor said they’re getting ready for an early 9 a.m. open for those looking for a day filled with football.
“Yeah. So we’ve got a lot of flair coming out tomorrow,” Taylor said.
Taylor said they’ve spent the summer making sure they’re fully staffed for this moment.
Oh, we’re going to be packed house. You know, this is the game of the nation for the entire season. We know that we have a massive season ahead of us,” Taylor said.
Both managers say Saturday they are expecting to see a big boost in sales.
“It’s very important to not just us for the entire city. Folks are going to come out and about, you know, great weather, great season, great opportunity to come out and celebrate the buckeyes,” Taylor said.
Both businesses say their staff will be decked out in scarlet and grey.
They say safety will be top of mind tomorrow too as they welcome the big crowds.
Dining and Cooking