World Cup Soccer Fever Means Big Business For NYC Restaurants, Bars
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Millions of soccer fans have been in the heat of World Cup fever lately, and it has turned out to be big business for restaurants and bars in the city.
Whether they're rooting for the winning country or not, everyone seems to be excited about the World Cup.
"I think it's great -- you can talk to any stranger on the street now about this in particular," said Ralph Fernandez.
On television, American viewership is at record levels. A total of 10 million people watched Team USA's match against Germany last Thursday.
And at bars across the area, business is booming. Managers at Hallo Berlin, at 626 Tenth Ave. in Hell's Kitchen, said servers haven't been able to catch a break.
"It's been bringing a lot of tourists -- a lot of Europeans coming in watching the games -- definitely a good thing," said Jose Rodriguez of Hallo Berlin.
Not far away at Stout, at 131 W. 33rd St. off Seventh Avenue, extra TVs and screens were bought before the Cup. The amazing turnout had Managers thinking this tournament was finally soccer's moment in America.
"Compared to four years ago, the us fans -- they are so many more people involved," said Kerry Agate, mnanager of Stout.
According to ESPN, which is broadcasting matches, New York has been one of the top markets for viewership.
The Team USA match against Belgium kicks off at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
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