Presidential Debate Coming To Hofstra University; Businesses Getting Ready

HEMPSTEAD, NY (WCBS 880) -- Some Long Island business owners intend to capitalize on the presidential debate coming to Hofstra University.

LISTEN: WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reports

Hofstra announced this week that the university has been chosen to host a town-hall style debate on October 16, 2012.

The last presidential debate held at Hofstra was in 2008 between John McCain and Barack Obama.

Barack Obama and John McCain debate at Hofstra University on October 15, 2008 in Hempstead.(Photo credit: Gary Hershorn/AFP/Getty Images)

During the 2008 debate, owner of nearby Barelli's Restaurant Frank Barelli, prepared for what he believed would be a crush of new business.

"We had extra staff, we had a full weekend crew because it was a weekday last year and it was a major, major flop," he said.

Barelli said there was no new business and fearing traffic jams, regulars also stayed away.

So he and other local business leaders are planning ahead this time, hoping to make next year's debate work for them.

For more information about next year's presidential debate at Hofstra, click here.