Tigers, Lions create jobs, boost sales for Ann Arbor restaurants
Ann Arbor is abuzz right now as area sports fans delight in having not one, not two, but three winning sports teams overlap this fall.
But winning teams don’t just get fans excited; it also means a bump in business at local restaurants and sports bars.
Some local restaurants, such as Grizzly Peak Brewing Company on East Washington Street in downtown Ann Arbor, report strong sales due to Michigan's winning sports teams.
grizzly peak
With Game 2 of the Detroit Tigers' American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers this afternoon at 4:19 p.m., followed by the undefeated Detroit Lions playing at 8:30 p.m., nearby restaurants are preparing for bigger than usual crowds tonight. It's the first time the Lions have played on Monday Night Football in a decade.
In fact, the unusual combination of a major Tigers game, followed immediately by a highly anticipated Lions game, is creating jobs — at least temporarily.
Rick Morawa, general manager of Damon’s Grill on Boardwalk Avenue, said he expects to see 25 percent more business tonight than a typical Monday.
“We increased our staff size for tonight by 20 percent,” he said.
Adam Lowenstein, an owner of Good Time Charley’s on South University Avenue, agreed and estimated business at the bar near the University of Michigan campus will see a 25 percent uptick tonight.
“We always expect a certain crowd for Monday night football and for the Tigers playoffs,” he said. “Tonight will definitely be busier than we normally will be.”
Fraser's Pub, located on Packard Street south of East Stadium Boulevard, anticipates a busy night with both the Tigers and Lions playing.
frasers pub
“We usually have two or three employees on,” she said. “Tonight we have four and an extra cook. We usually have a pretty good crowd in here for sports.”
Although there is increased sports hype tonight with both the Tigers and Lions playing, Morawa of Damon’s said business this fall is up about 11 percent over last year, which he attributes to the sports crowd.
“With Michigan football doing really well, plus the Tigers and the Lions, it’s amazing how much busier we are,” he said.
Bryan Rambert, manager of Bar Louie on East Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor, said that with several winning Michigan sports teams, sales at the downtown restaurant are up $5,000 a week over last year.
“It’s probably due to the sports,” he said. “Plus, having a lot of home Michigan football games helps.”
Jon Carlson, a partner in several downtown Ann Arbor restaurants such as Grizzly Peak Brewing Company, Jolly Pumpkin, Blue Tractor and Cafe Habana, said business has been “way up” this fall, with a 10 to 15 percent increase from sporting events held on Monday or Tuesday nights. He said business typically remains steady on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
“Our sales this entire fall have been fantastic,” he said. “It’s been great.”
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
jns131
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 10:47 p.m.
We have the lions...O my. We have the tigers....We have the Wolverines....if this makes three? What about the Red Wings? Did they take flight this early? Sounds more like 4 to me. Because everyone had the Red Wing game on Saturday at the campgrounds. Including the rec center. Wow.
jns131
Tue, Oct 11, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
I just heard the NBA talks got dropped. So, it looks like another lock out. Sad.
Ann English
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 11:54 p.m.
Guess it's because of the Red Wings' excellence that they don't have to move to another city. The Shock moved to Tulsa and won only two games this season. The Minnesota Lynx won their first-ever WNBA championship over the Atlanta Dream, and that city lost its hockey team. So now there are seven NHL teams in Canada, not six. But the Winnipeg Jets are still grouped in the Southeast Division. Let's see if the Lions and Red Wings can compensate for the lack (hopefully short) of Pistons games, business-wise, for Detroit.
Ann English
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
The Red Wings got to play before most of the other NHL teams did. Before reading this article, the radio gave me the impression that Detroit itself was thriving in bar business because of the Lions and Tigers. I never suspected that their success would have repercussions over here.
Carole
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 10:35 p.m.
Way to go Lions and Tigers -- goes right along with the marvelous UM events. Hope all enjoy a fun filled time.
Jason
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 9:05 p.m.
that's good to hear, maybe some of the owners of these establishments will recover some of that lost income following the smoking ban.
15crown00
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 8:24 p.m.
but in the long run it's probably only temporary.
Carole
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 10:35 p.m.
Good any time even if temporary.
a2citizen
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 8:33 p.m.
The glass is half empty...
Jammers02
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 7:33 p.m.
I think its a great article. Good for business. I never thought of restaurants getting more business because of the sports, its true and great! Go Michigan!
puncturedtime
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 7:24 p.m.
Not one, not two, not three, not four, BUT FIVE obvious and meaningless quotes/advertisements from business owners about tonight's game. More staff, more business, and more excitement with the Tigers in the playoffs and the Lions on MNF?? Great job keeping the public informed!!
puncturedtime
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 8:37 p.m.
Just to clarify, you needed 5 people in agreement to convince you that more people go to bars in Ann Arbor when Michigan teams are playing?
Lolly
Mon, Oct 10, 2011 : 7:54 p.m.
I don't find the quotes obvious and meaningless, and having five of them was a nice confirmation of what is going on, whereas one or two would have been less convincing. What seems obvious to me is that anyone who isn't interested needn't trouble to read the article or make a comment. I'm delighted to hear that restaurants are doing better than last year.