Sports bars across South Florida prepared for the coming onslaught as patrons gather to watch Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. (Source: CBS4)
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MIAMI (CBS4) – No matter the outcome of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, South Florida businesses will be celebrating.
Home Field Sports Bar and Grill in Kendall has been in business since March. The new owners never held a grand opening, but thanks the the Heat’s playoff run, business has been booming.
“Thursday’s game, Tuesday’s game, we were basically sold out,” Home Field Sports Bar and Grill marketing director Mimi Rodriguez said. “So we’re anticipating a huge, huge turnout.”
The Heat game is a big draw for restaurant patrons, and then Rodriguez hopes they stay for some late night sports action.
“Today, we are anticipating probably double to triple the business because of the [Manny] Pacquiao fight immiedately after,” Rodriguez said.
For waiters, bussers and bartenders, no matter the score, Saturday night will be a slam dunk.
“We have about 20 servers on staff, 10 bartenders, bussers, barbacks, whatever we could they’re all here tonight,” Rodriguez said.
Across town in Coconut Grove, restaurant employees at the Sandbar and Grill geared up for a busy night.
“We have a full staff,” said Sandbar and Grill manager John DeRousseau.
The bar is fully stocked and extra tables are set up to handle overflow crowds.
“It could turn a slow night into a very busy night,” DeRousseau said. “It’s good for our servers. We have a full staff. Alot of money during the games.”
Game 7 will have cash registers ringing at the AmericanAirlines Arena and at businesses across the area.
“Me not being a Heat fan,” DeRousseau said. “My business still profits from it, then we all win.”
Another series will be music to business owners’ ears.
“We are hoping that happens for business because we are a new venue, word of mouth and everything,” Rodriguez said. “It’s become a popular place to come watch the games and we will deal with that when that happens hopefully tonight.”
Restaurant managers encourage patrons to call ahead Saturday night. Most places aren’t taking reservations, but calling ahead will give you an idea how long the wait is.
