Bars and restaurants score big in the first round of the NHL playoffs

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The biggest winner in the Battle of Alberta may be a bar or restaurant near the Saddle Dome.

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Moneris data surveys revenues from the food and beverage industry in the NHL city of Alberta and shows that sales have increased significantly year-over-year. In addition, people near the arena were able to receive cash at a much higher rate than facilities in other parts of the city.

Receipts at the end of the night only grow as the Battle of Alberta progresses.

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Pete Emes, co-owner of the 1207 1st StreetSW Home and Away Bar, states that sales typically increase by 15-20% each round. It doesn’t fight Flames and Oilers. Now people are appearing earlier and staying later than before.

“They came right after work, you could feel it, it was the only thing in people’s minds,” he said about Wednesday night Game 1.

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“Like (Head Coach of Frames) Darryl (Sutter) … there’s nothing better than this. This is the best thing in the world for us. We’re out of the pandemic, in our industry, and in the town. We’re out of the challenges of other major industries. It feels like everyone feels good, optimistic, and connects people. “

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Sales of Game 1 in the Flames series to the Dallas Stars increased 32% at restaurants and bars near the arena and 13% in other cities. Bars, especially near the Saddle Dome, soared 65%. Winning the Game 7 overtime series increased overall sales, reaching 68% at bars near the arena and 42% at the rest of Calgary. The restaurant also spent the biggest nights at 41 percent near the rink and 18 percent elsewhere.

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Round 2 Game 1 data has not yet been aggregated and confirmed.

Emmes said he was approaching capacity every night in the first round and fans of the Oilers were filling the joints for offnight flames.

Sean McCormick, director of business development at Monellis, said he expects nightly revenue to increase with each game as more people jump on the tide. There is also a disgusting desire to feel connected and feel part of something in the community.

For the sector, which has been hit since March 2020, the resurgence of rivalry could not have happened any longer.

“It’s like the Stanley Cup, but I can’t make up for the losses I’ve had in these bars and restaurants over the last two years, but that’s what,” he said. “What a welcome event after spending the toughest two years in their business history.”

jaldrich@postmedia.com

twitter: @ JoshAldrich03