We’re well into the FIFA excitement in Vancouver, and the tourists are out and about in droves. But has the surplus of visitors actually helped businesses?
For Chanthy Yen, chef and owner of Touk and Mee Bar at Time Out Market, that hasn’t been the case. While the newly opened Mee Bar has been doing relatively well, he’s seen a major drop-off in customers at his downtown restaurant, Touk.
“I think that FIFA has really excited a lot of people and has moved them to a different part of downtown. So we’re seeing diners drop off,” Yen told Dished. “We expected something completely different. We predicted that potentially FIFA would really bring in more business, bring in more clientele, considering the type of food that we’re offering and the current landscape of Vancouver, culinary-wise.”
Since then, he’s implemented a multi-course Tournament Menu for $65 to hopefully entice some people to venture to his neck of the woods. But Yen shared that it was so slow one night that the team had to shut down the restaurant, something that surprised him given how busy the restaurant normally is.
“We’re talking from reservations of 60 on average to just two guests, which is really shocking,” he added. “There aren’t many people walking on Alberni Street. They’re one street parallel or just in a different part of downtown. I really thought that it was going to be a different experience.”
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Unfortunately, this lackluster turnout for Vancouver restaurants is not just isolated to Touk. Matt Brennan and Corvette Romero from Jack’s Fish and Chips shared that while their Bentall outpost has been performing relatively the same, their Fraser location was a “disaster during the first week of FIFA.”
“The first weekend we were down about 60 per cent, as I think everyone was excited and went FIFA crazy,” shared the duo. However, they shared that things have since evened out, and business is more normal, except during Canadian games.
Tushar Tondvalkar, chef and owner of Kavita (which was just named one of the best restaurants in Canada), shared a similar sentiment.
“Honestly, I feel we are slower than what we expected,” said Tondvalkar, adding that it’s business as usual most days, but during game days, the restaurant is definitely quieter.
“On the game day, everyone, of course, wants to go to the pub or watch parties to celebrate and be in the FIFA fever,” he said.
Bailey Hayward, a co-owner of Michelin Bib-Gourmand-awarded restaurant Gary’s, also shared that the only noticeable difference they’ve seen is a slight decrease in reservations and overall traffic on Vancouver game days.
“There’s definitely a FIFA buzz in the air,” said Howard. “We’ve noticed guests keeping up with matches on their phones, and it has created additional opportunities for our team to connect with guests around something exciting happening throughout the city.”
Cam Jarvis, president of Lee’s Donuts, which operates multiple locations throughout Vancouver and beyond, also said that there is definitely a buzz in the air, but that foot traffic has looked a little different than the team expected. However, the doughnut purveyor did have its fair share of moments so far, specifically with the Qatar vs. Canada match bringing a real surge in sales.
“Those kinds of spikes remind us why we love being part of this city during a big event,” said Jarvis. “We’re staying agile, and honestly, we’re optimistic. As the tournament moves into the knockout stage and the stakes get higher, we think fans are going to be coming together more, watching more, and eating more doughnuts.”
However, based on a report from Merchant Growth, most businesses weren’t expecting to see a major impact on their sales anyway.
According to the report, nearly two-thirds of B.C. businesses said they didn’t expect a revenue impact from the FIFA World Cup. Further, 44 per cent said they wouldn’t benefit from the games at all, and 25 per cent predicted that their location wouldn’t see increased foot traffic.
“The World Cup is a major economic moment, but it will not benefit every small business equally,” said David Gens, founder and CEO of Merchant Growth, in a release.
“Businesses with the right location, staffing, and cash flow may be able to turn increased consumer activity into revenue. But for many owners, rising operating costs and tight margins mean they are being cautious about investing ahead of the opportunity.”
This is evident with many eateries located along major tourist hubs and FIFA events seeing major increases in customers and revenue.
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Kyle Tweter, restaurant partner at Ray’s, which is located steps away from Yaletown’s largest outdoor patio destination for FIFA, shared that the team has absolutely been feeling the energy of the World Cup, with game days bringing in a noticeably bigger crowd of fans.
“Even on non-game days, Yaletown has had this electric, festive buzz that’s clearly drawing more people out to enjoy what Vancouver’s restaurant scene has to offer,” said Tweter. “It’s been incredible to see our city come together like this, and we’re proud to be part of the hospitality that’s helping make this World Cup moment so special for everyone visiting.”
Additionally, bars along the pedestrian-only section of Granville also seem to be raking in the dough.
Nate Sabine, director of business development at Blueprint, which is the parent company for Good Co. Bars, said that the pedestrian zone has exceeded everyone’s expectations.
“It’s been incredible seeing locals and visitors alike converge in our entertainment district to celebrate together,” said Sabine. “Our guest count is up tenfold, and I think most businesses are experiencing a similar lift to Good Co. We’re all hoping the momentum stays and that the success of this project leads to a pedestrian zone and thoughtful programming each summer.”
Tyler Broers, general manager of Dublin Calling, shared that they are seeing the same guest counts in one day that they would normally see in a week.
“I feel hosting the World Cup has helped hospitality immensely,” said Broers. “Multiple bars are seeing amazing increases, and it’s opening up the city to being a fun place again! [I’m] hoping this helps change some of the late-night rules to bring our nightlife back.”
As for the secret of Dublin Calling’s success, the factor that had the biggest effect was the street closure to traffic.
“Granville has new life to it, and I hope the city decides to keep the street patios and the pedestrian zone for the rest of the summer,” said Broer.
But with the increase in customers, Broer did have one ask for patrons stopping by his and other local establishments.
“Hospitality staff are currently facing high demand and working under immense pressure and long hours. As patrons, it’s beneficial that we extend an extra measure of patience, empathy, and understanding to the frontline staff who keep these businesses running. And a reminder: it’s just burgers and beers.”
With files from Hanna Hett
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