Winnipeg downtown restaurants see boost in business ahead of Grey Cup

Restaurants in downtown Winnipeg are seeing a major uptick in business as Grey Cup weekend draws CFL fans from all over the country.

“Yesterday was the busiest day we’ve had in years, so it’s been great,” said Dwight Benson, general manager, Elephant and Castle.

“It brings a lot of business to us, it gives us a chance to show our hospitality, so it’s been awesome,” Benson added.

Justin Guest, one of the owners of Browns Social House on Portage, says when events like Grey Cup bring people to the downtown, folks tend to bar hop, which generates business for the entire area. 

Guest also said the Grey Cup weekend was an opportunity to showcase what the downtown core has to offer.

“We’re now seeing a demographic of fan bases from across Canada show up,” Guest said. “We’re seeing an all-day group come in — from first in the morning to late at night — such a great turnout of large groups of people.”

Kory Linden, who is travelling with a group of friends from Vancouver, said they have been enjoying the downtown restaurants like Elephants and Castle, which they have visited multiple times already.

 “Everything’s been top notch, can’t complain, everyone’s friendly, and yeah looking forward to another fun night,” Linden said.

Benson said the Grey Cup draws groups like Linden and his friends who travel for the event.

“One table I talked to did it for 25 years straight, another for 30 years straight, and they all recognize each other,” Benson said.