The excitement for baseball has returned to Toronto as the Blue Jays advance in the playoffs, creating a vibrant atmosphere not only at the Rogers Centre but also in the surrounding restaurants. Many establishments in the vicinity have reported a significant increase in business as fans gather to support their home team.
One of the hotspots, Hunters Landing located in CityPlace, has seen a remarkable uptick in patronage. According to Fintan Caulfield, the bar manager, sales have surged nearly 100 percent compared to last year. He remarked, “It’s just the atmosphere in general around here, with the community, has been unbelievable.”
Caulfield also noted that customers are opting to stay longer even after the game concludes, driven by the pleasant October weather that has kept the outdoor patios bustling. He said, “People didn’t care about the wait time at the door. It’s absolutely crazy. We had the line going outside, but everyone was just happy to be here.”
Across the street from Rogers Centre, The Rec Room is also experiencing a surge in visitors. Alice Lee, the general manager, mentioned that they have welcomed an additional 300 to 400 patrons before and after games, indicative of the heightened interest. The Rec Room has strategically prepared in anticipation of this influx, ensuring they are a popular destination for fans.
Jack Perkins, Senior Service Manager at The Rec Room Roundhouse, explained their proactive approach: “We started forecasting a couple of weeks ago. As they started releasing the schedule, dates and perspective times, we already started that process in knowing, okay, when do we need to have people in.”
National Impact on the Restaurant Industry
The momentum seen in Toronto’s restaurant scene is mirrored across the country, according to Restaurants Canada. The boost in business comes as a welcome change for an industry that has faced challenges in recent years.
Kelly Higginson, President & CEO of Restaurants Canada, highlighted the broader context: “We’re dealing with a drop in traffic and spending amongst Canadians because of the rising cost of living, and they’re having to cut back on discretionary spending. Our industry is excited to have something that’s going to draw people out, bring people together, and back out into restaurants and bars.”
This renewed enthusiasm among baseball fans illustrates the power of sports events to galvanize community spirit and economic recovery in the restaurant sector, offering both local and out-of-town fans a chance to celebrate together.
