Bars profit from Olympic crowds

AUSTIN (KXAN) - More than 40 million people tuned Friday night to watch the London Olympics Opening Ceremony, breaking a host of records. Now as the competition gets under way all of those extra eyes are helping out local Texas bars.

Bars and restaurants around town say they have seen a huge spike in folks coming through their doors.

The drinks were flowing, the crowds were cheering, and the big screen TVs were on Saturday night. It was all for the Olympic Games. Everyone showing up to support their favorite team.

Jeromy Hughes said he attended the Olympic Winter games in Vancouver a few years ago. This year he's excited to watch it from Austin.

"You get to meet so many people from so many different cultures nobody is rooting for the same country, but you get to sit there and have a beer with them," said Hughes.

They are beers that add up to big bucks for bars and restaurants. For Cuatros near West Campus they've seen a dramatic increase in sales. With many students gone for the summer the games draw in the crowds.

"Our business has doubled since this time last year this is normally a slow time being on campus," said Cassidy Mora, general manager at Cuatros.

Bars are making the most of the games by opening their doors earlier and even making special Olympic cocktails. Customers say it's about more than just competition, but a way to bring everyone together.
 
"It doesn't matter what country you're from everybody is just coming together being peaceful and that is just what the world and life should be about," said Hughes.

Bar owners say this is just the tip of the iceberg as the games progress they expect even more people walking through their doors.