With the World Cup just around the corner, East Lansing businesses are preparing for the worldwide event by offering deals and specials to bring in customers.
With the World Cup just around the corner, East Lansing businesses are preparing for the worldwide event by offering deals and specials to bring in customers.
From beer specials to prizes, local restaurants and bars have different offers catering to different customers.
The East Lansing location of the national chain Buffalo Wild Wings will be offering games where contestants could win big. Participants are required to download a mobile phone application and then have the chance to win the daily prize of a television or a trip to Las Vegas, or the grand prize of a trip to England or Spain to watch the matches.
General manager of Buffalo Wild Wings Aaron Weiner said customers need to be at the restaurant to participate in the games, which will really help the business.
“The more people that come here, the more money we make,” Weiner said.
The games Buffalo Wild Wings are offering are part of a nationwide celebration of the World Cup.
Firehouse Subs will offering deals. General Manager Steve Karmo said if a fan comes in supporting their team, for instance, by wearing a jersey, they are able to receive a free combo — which includes a 32 ounce drink and bag of chips or a cookie.
“People like to watch the games, so why not have a deal for those guys?” Karmo said.
Firehouse Subs has two big-screen TVs and Karmo said he plans to have matches on as they occur. He hopes the special will bring in customers who have never visited the restaurant before.
In addition to restaurants, local bars and brewpubs are joining in on the celebration of the soccer tournament.
Harper's Restaurant and Brewpub, The Peanut Barrel and Dublin Square will also be showing the games. Dublin’s will be offering certain beer specials while the games are occurring.
The Peanut Barrel Manager Eric Skusa said having the games on brings in extra business during slower times. People can call ahead to reserve tables and watch the game.
“(The World Cup) is in the summer so there will be a lot of times when we’re normally slow where we will get extra business from it,” Skusa said.
Though no concrete plans have been established, Crunchy’s General Manager Mike Krueger said special beer events are in the works, especially for the U.S. versus Germany game.
Krueger said he would like to have people who have never visited stop by.
“Hopefully people will come out and watch their favorite team,” Krueger said.
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