Hotels, restaurants expect boost in business for Western weekend
Mount Pleasant businesses are preparing for what may be their busiest weekend of the year.
Restaurants and hotels across the city are staffing up, ordering more supplies and opening early for Central/Western Weekend.
Lil' Chef General Manager Jamie Markin said the restaurant, 1720 S. Mission St., has been open for 15 years and is aware of what the game brings for business.
"We're ordering more food, scheduling more staff and having a security guard for the night shift," Markin said.
Markin said he foresees this as the busiest weekend for the restaurant.
Lonnie DeRosia Jr., assistant manager at the International House of Pancakes, 5255 E. Pickard St., said this game will bring lots of business and potential sales, which are important to have in the current economy.
He said the restaurant plans to excel in every aspect of business for the customers.
"Without people, product and equipment, we can't run a successful business," DeRosia Jr. said.
He said the restaurant seeks ways to continually support CMU at the restaurant.
"We will be wearing CMU shirts to show our support and bring the atmosphere to the restaurant," DeRosia Jr.,said.
Allison Melvin, assistant manager of O'Kelly's Sports Bar and Grille, 2000 S. Mission St., expects to be busy as soon as the doors open.
O'Kelly's will open at 10 a.m. Saturday for tailgating.
Buffalo Wild Wings, 1904 S. Mission St., will open at 9 a.m. It will offer beers of the month and usual late-night drink specials.
Jeff Boughner, general manager of Buffalo Wild Wings, said he is excited for the weekend. Spectators will be able to travel into town, relax and have a good time.
Several hotels in Mount Pleasant have reached their capacity for the weekend.
"We filled up a week after the schedule for the game came out," said Starr Prussner, the front office supervisor for the FairField Inn and Suites, 2525 University Park.
Prussner said there will be security at all times in the parking lot and inside the building of the hotel.
This game will overall help the economy of Mount Pleasant, Prussner said.
"The game will help promote businesses in the future for activities (visitors) may not have known about," she said.
Prussner said most visitors will stay for a night but will spend two days participating in local activities and events.
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