BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Just how busy is it expected to be in downtown Buffalo this weekend?
Southern Tier Brewery is doubling down on its food and beverage orders and bringing on more staff.
The Draft Room is ordering 1,700 wings - just for Friday night alone when on a normal Friday it would order 400 wings.
"This is exactly the type of weekend you want to see in downtown Buffalo," said Pete Burakowski, Buffalo Place Inc. executive director.
For restaurants and bars, especially those in the lower Main Street and Canalside area, they are bracing for a busy couple of days.
Many of the NHL draft eligible players are in town along with agents, family members and NHL executives.
Sarah Young, Southern Tier bar manager, said her restaurant has several large parties booked this weekend - most of which are connected to the NHL Draft.
It helps that Southern Tier is located in the LECOM HarborCenter, which itself is connected to KeyBank Center.
"We will be busy, busy, busy," Young said.
Young and Jason Sunshine, Draft Room general manager, compare this weekend to business during the Sabres' recent playoff run but not as busy as when KeyBank Center, in March, hosted NCAA men's basketball tournament games.
"It's different because the players are too young to drink and this is more business like than the NCAA's which is more about fun," Young said. "We will probably sell more food this weekend."
Sunshine said because the Draft Room is located across the street from the KeyBank Center his restaurant is a popular gathering spot, especially for NHL and team executives.
"We are so convenient," Sunshine said. "All I know is that we will be very busy this weekend."
NHL Draft, concerts and special events are making for a busy downtown Buffalo this weekend.
NHL Draft, concerts and special events are making for a busy downtown Buffalo this weekend.
