From the pizza shop to the local grocery store, the Steelers making it to the post-season, really does matter to everybody in the region that's in the food business.
Just ask Rico Lunardi, owner of slice on Broadway.
“We see a spike every Sunday when the Steelers play at 1 o’clock, we’re busy, phones start ringing at 10 for orders when they’re playing at 4 o’clock . . . so, the longer the Steelers can play on, the better it is for our business and everyone around us,” said Lunardi.
Lunardi says it’s a win-win for them because not only are they busy, but they’re fans too!
And for the grocery business, January typically means a lull for home parties, as people recover from the holidays.
But, at Kuhn's Quality Markets, Frank Dentici says Steelers playoff games usually mean a 15 to 20 percent spike in sales.
Dentici says their deli gets busy and there is a big demand for snack chips, finger foods and more.
He adds a Monday night game actually helps, since that will come after a weekend of get-togethers to watch the other playoff games.
Though rain is in the forecast for the weekend, Dentici says it may mean some people will put off their visits, but they'll still see that 15 to 20 percent gain.