February Patriots Football Brings Boost for New England Businesses, Again

February 1, 2019 6:04 pm

By: Tim Studebaker

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – As the Pats gear up to take on the Rams this weekend, the rush is on to figure out where you’re going to watch the game.

If the party is at your place, you’ll need the essentials: food, beverages, treats and maybe even balloons and fancy decorations if you’re really feeling festive.

Another year of February football for the Patriots means another boost for New England businesses.

Beth Griffiths is the General Manager of Party City in Warwick. She says, “A lot of traffic through the stores now with the patriots being in the Super Bowl.”

She says although rare in recent years, the jump in business is smaller when the patriots don’t play in the game.

Griffiths says, “You can tell the difference.”

Antonio’s Bakery in Warwick has more staff on the schedule, busy selling more baked goods when the pats play.

Antonio’s Bakery Owner Jennifer Disegna says, “The AFC Championship was a huge, huge Sunday for us. It’s good for business. I think it helps everybody.”

It’s not just sweet treats. They also see an uptick in savory item sales.

Antonio’s Bakery Manager Shannon Monahan says, “Of course, party cut pizza is a popular item around this time. Our calzone platters are made to order. Antipastos, things like that are very popular during this time.”

If you’d rather not host, you can always let someone else do the work. Skyline at Waterplace in downtown Providence is among those businesses hosting viewing parties.

Skyline at Waterplace CEO Michael Mota says, “We have Patrick Pass. He’s a 3 time Super Bowl New England Patriots champ. We’re going to have drinks. We’re going to have music. We’re going to have an after party.”

He’s hoping a Patriots win sets the tone for that after party.