BLOOMFIELD, Conn. — The canning line hums at the Thomas Hooker Brewery in January and, now that NFL Wildcard Weekend has arrived, there are hopes the games provide a business boost for the brewery and restaurant.
Curt Cameron has owned the Thomas Hooker Brewery in Bloomfield for the past 15 years, he said that the NFL Playoffs can help with the bottom line – especially with the New York Giants in the mix this year. The Giants battle the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis this Sunday.
"When there’s a local team in (the playoffs) I have anecdotal data that we see a lot more people come out because they’re rooting on the theoretical home team.," Cameron said. "Nothing makes me happier than seeing them come here and have a burger, have a pizza and grab a four-pack to go -- so they can watch more games at home.”
In West Hartford, Dante Cistulli, the owner of Zephyr Street Pizza said he was hoping that the playoff games would provide an uptick in both takeout and dining-in orders for his specialty pies. Zephyr Street has gained a loyal following since it opened for business 18 months ago.
"It’s wildcard weekend, the Giants are in the playoffs – this is a pretty big deal,' Cistulli said.
Cameron added that the trend called “Dry January” never helps this time of year, “it’s not my favorite thing,” he laughed, “but thankfully we have our CBD Seltzers so if you are not drinking beer, we have got something for you.”
Zephyr Street Pizza & Thomas Hooker Brewing Company
Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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