Downtown Houston restaurants hope for profitable Super Bowl

HOUSTON – Super Bowl 51 is five days away, and downtown restaurants are gearing up for the influx of Falcons and Patriot fans.

Several restaurants have opened around the George R. Brown Convention Center in time for the big game but businesses on the outskirts of the designated NFL hot spots hope the crowds flow their way, too.

"We've got a lot of regulars here so we're going to have tons of out-of-town guests; during that time they're looking for a place to hang out and a place to eat,” said David Garcia, general manager of Andalucia Tapas Restaurant & Bar and Mia Bella.

He said they plan on utilizing their patio space, having Flamenco dancers and special entrees to lure in more people.

“Hopefully we’ll gain some business so the next time they’re in the Houston area or there here for travels this will be their destination,” Garcia said.

The Super Bowl Committee is expecting an economic impact of more than $300 million to pour into the Bayou City.
Houstonians are also rooting for their local eateries.

“Of course you want every business that is established to flourish hopefully with the people coming in and enjoy our great city," said Henry Remaker who is a Houston native.

Garcia said they’ve seen more foot traffic in the past couple of days, but expect it to really pick up Wednesday.