BOSTON — As the World Cup matches wrap up this weekend, bars in Boston are sharing how the influx of people from all over the world boosted sales and if they want any of the temporary changes to stay for good.
“It’s been phenomenal,” Marilyn Israel, a manager at The Greatest Bar, said.
“It’s amazing, amazing to see,” Aidan McGee, a chef and partner at The Dubliner, said. “I think we thought it was going to be good, but I think it was a different feel good vibe in the whole city, everybody embraced it.”
The Dubliner, located directly across the street from Boston’s FIFA Fan Festival, put them in a perfect position to draw fans to watch the matches. McGee said it brought in a big boost to sales compared to the same time last summer.
“We’re probably up by 20%; we haven’t got the full figures back yet,” McGee said.
Across town near TD Garden, The Greatest Bar also hosted watch parties, filling its four floors.
“We did not expect this,” Israel said.
Israel said this is typically a slower time of year for them.
“I would say we’ve quadrupled sales definitely as far as this particular run of the World Cup,” Israel said.
Many of the bars made adjustments to prepare for the crowds. The Dubliner debuted it’s new patio space.
“We opened that for the World Cup, so we got a massive screen and outside food and drinks, so it was a great success,” McGee said.
Many bars and restaurants also made changes to their business hours. While some opened early on match days, many also had the option to stay open until 3 a.m.
“I think that option is amazing,” McGee said.
Meanwhile some bar managers like Israel said they’re ok with letting that change end with the World Cup.
“I’d rather not stay open until 3 a.m. it just, at that time, it gets very sloppy,” Israel said.
As both bars prepare for the final matches this weekend, they’re also looking ahead to what’s next.
“We need to create something new and see what the next big thing is now. We have a high bar with the World Cup but let’s go,” McGee said.
“I am sad that it’s over. I loved the run, it was great... but now we’ll take a little rest, and we’ll get ready for hockey and basketball coming up,” Israel said.
Both restaurants will be hosting watch parties for the remaining matches on Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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