Winnipeg bars, restaurant see a win with more traffic from hockey fans

Even though Saturday's Jets game against the Vegas Golden Knights brought the team a loss,local businesses saw a win inthe uptick in traffic from hockey fans.

"Even though we lost ... people were happy to just be out," says Underdogs assistant manager

Joanne Roberts CBC News Posted: Apr 23, 2023 4:16 PM EDT | Last Updated: April 23, 2023

Lake of the Woods bartender Erik McCarthy is eager for Monday and all the customers that will flow in for beers and to cheer on the Jets in game four. — Lake of the Woods Brewery bartender Erik McCarthy says revenue was three times the normal amount for a typical Jets game on Saturday, thanks to the thousands of fans flocking downtown. (Jeff Stapleton/CBC)

Local businesses say they're winning big as hockey fans come outto watch the Winnipeg Jets take on the Vegas Golden Knights.

Ryan Cox, assistant manager at thesports bar and restaurant Underdogs on Portage Avenue near Moray Street, said it felt twice as busy as a typical Saturday as the restaurant hadnon-stop traffic all day. He said once the game began, every seat was filled and it continued after the game was over.

"We honestly had to turn away some people because there were no seats in the restaurant. People were standing just to watch the game," he said.

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As partpreparing for the game, Cox said the restaurant made sure it had enough trained staffand stock to fill demand. He said he expects the same for Monday's game.

"People didn't just want to watch and leave," Cox said. "Even though we lost ... people were happy to just be out."

A man wearing a black shirt underneath a blue button-up leans against a wall and smiles. The wall has white balloons and Winnipeg Jets logos taped to it. — Ryan Cox, assistant manager at Underdogs, says traffic in the sports bar and restaurant didn't let up all of game day on Saturday. (Walther Bernal/CBC)

Lake of the Woods Brewing Company on Carlton Street in Winnipeg also saw an increase in business, andbartender Erik McCarthy said Saturday was likely one of the biggest days the brewery has seen so far this year.

"I loved it. It was super busy, it kept me just kind of on my feet.I could enjoy the game and kind of watch it and celebrate with the people," he said.

Winnipeg's downtown will become a screaming sea of white again Monday night for game four against the Vegas Golden Knights. — Winnipeg Jets fans from across the province will descend on the city's downtown core for the second sold-out whiteout party Monday night. (Chelsea Kemp/CBC)

McCarthy said sales tripled from the typical Jets game night, and the energy in the room itself was exciting.As the score between the Jets and Knights tied, McCarthy said people were jumping and shouting.

"The whole building was shaking. Not literally, but figuratively," he said.

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McCarthy said he'll likely be joining the crowd as the game starts on Monday, and he'll also be cheering on the Jets.

"Everyone's in a great mood and if we win, we can have another whiteout party here," he said.

A sign at Underdogs that reads — Underdogs is cheering for the Jets, hoping Monday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights ends with a win. (Walther Bernal/CBC)

Although Andy Wen, owner of Hawaiian restaurant Pok Mono on Edmonton Street, said he was concerned some people may be avoiding downtown during Jets games, he ultimately thinks the parties are great for the city and he's cheering forthe Winnipeg team.

"As a Winnipegger, I hope [the] Jets can win as many games as possible," Wen said. "Enjoy [the parties], and stay safe."

With files from Erin Brohman

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