Restaurants see spark in business ahead of big football weekend

After a year without football, Notre Dame fans are preparing for a big football weekend. The NFL draft and annual Blue Gold game are bringing fans back into bars something owners in South Bend say they’re ready for.

“I think that football season and sports in general just really bring a lot to the south bend area you know specifically Notre dame so we’re very excited to have everybody back," said Erica Devreese, General Manager of Taphouse on Edge.

“We’re optimistic that there will be a regular football season this year. It’ll be business as usual which we’re really looking forward to and we can’t wait to see everyone who comes in town for the games," said Joe Mittiga, Owner of Corby's Irish Pub.

With themed events like Kegs and Eggs at Taphouse on Saturday morning, to drink specials at Corby's on LaSalle. There’s plenty of good deals to check out ahead of the big game.

“You know as always we have a DJ at least once a week Friday or Saturday. I got my guy here tonight. We’re gonna do $3 shots of tequila and we’re gonna do vodka wells special as well," said Mittiga.

Despite the setback because of the pandemic, many say they’re grateful to see a part of South Bend culture come back to life.

“You know everybody was kind of locked down for so long so exciting to have people back in here. It’s exciting to be on a waitlist keeping everybody safe, but it’s just great to have a little of normalcy back in the area," said Devreese.