Area businesses see pre-Thanksgiving rush

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Area businesses are prepping for one of the most active spending days of the year.

People made their way to Honey Baked Ham in South Bend to stock up on food before Thanksgiving.

Employees worked around the clock making over 5,000 hams for hungry customers.

"You kind of get a system down, and find out what works and what doesn't," Kimberly Smith, Manager of Honey Baked Ham, said.

Millions of Americans hold off on preparing a Thanksgiving feast the night before and order pizza instead.

"It's always a busy day for pizza," Claudia Cochran, General Manager of Papa John's, said. "Because no one is cooking."

Next to Superbowl Sunday, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, is huge for business.

She beefed up on food and staff; expecting to make and deliver thousands of pizzas.

"It's kind of one of those mandatory days," Cochran said.

But it's not just hot pies being bought.

"People get out of work, and want to come out and enjoy themselves," Patrick Mulligan, owner of Mulligan's Bar, said. "They want to have a bite to eat, and a few cocktails."

He's expecting extra customers Wednesday, because many don't have to work in the morning.

"It's going to be a busy day for all," Mulligan said.