Toronto’s local businesses and industry groups are gearing up for a significant economic uplift as the Toronto Blue Jays embark on their playoff journey. With that kind of post-season performance, the whole team is creating dramatic excitement! That buzz would help increase tourism and consumer spending across the entire city, with restaurants, hotels, and other businesses benefiting the most.
Kelly Jackson, vice-president of destination development for Destination Toronto, stated that the Blue Jays’ playoff games will attract fans from across the country. “When you go to a Jays game during the regular season, it’s not surprising to see fans there with flags from Newfoundland or homemade signs saying that they had come from the Prairies,” she said. Jackson stressed that the momentum of the approaching playoffs was only going to accelerate this trend. He expects an influx of fans willing to immerse themselves in the excitement of in-person baseball.
Our local hospitality and foodservice industries have been hit hard these last few months though. Additionally, a report released by Restaurants Canada found that due to the increase in the cost of living, 75 percent of Canadians have been eating out less. Kelly Higginson, CEO of Restaurants Canada, highlighted the importance of events like the Blue Jays’ playoff run for revitalizing the food industry. “Anything that we can do to motivate Canadians to get out and enjoy their local establishments is critically important,” she remarked.
Daimin Bodnar, owner of Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar in Toronto, described his excitement at expecting an influx of customers during the playoffs. He recalled the thriving business during the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA championship run, noting that his restaurant was at capacity for every game. “As they go on longer in their playoff run, if they can get through this first series against the Yankees, I expect that business to build more and more,” Bodnar stated.
The expected increase isn’t just focused on restaurants, either — hotels in Toronto are getting ready for an influx, too. Sara Anghel, CEO of the Greater Toronto Hotel Association, explained that events like these create a “ripple effect” throughout the hospitality industry. In addition to playoff attendance, she noted that they’ve had an increase of over 200 additional customers every day since the announcement. She forecast it will result in a repeat of last year’s NHL All-Star Weekend – when downtown hotel occupancy jumped 35 percent over the previous year.
The national brewing industry is riding high on the cupcakes of this magic playoff run too. Mandie Murphy, co-founder of Left Field Brewery in Toronto, saw a huge jump in bookings. This increase followed immediately after the announcement of the Jays’ American League Division Series (ALDS) schedule. Murphy remarked on the emotional connection fans have with baseball, stating, “To have that coming to life is quite just like a special and emotional moment as a fan, a baseball lover.” In addition to generating civic pride and spirit, she said, the playoffs deliver significant business relief at a time when it’s most needed.
Catherine Oppedisano, vice-president of marketing at Steam Whistle Brewing, agreed. She noted that the restaurant and beer sectors had a difficult beginning to the year. She’s optimistic that the Jays’ playoff run will help change the tide. “It happens to be good for business, which is quite a relief at a time where it’s more challenging than ever to be an operator,” Murphy added.
Higginson reinforced the potential economic impact of the playoffs by stating, “We are expecting to see that increase in traffic, definitely in the downtown Toronto area.” Local businesses are excited as all get out. Sales need to be high profile, transformational events in order to produce movement in the job creating pipeline that is their industry.
Local businesses are looking forward to the burst of new customers on foot. So now, they’re hoping that the excitement created by the Blue Jays will light a fire under more people to get involved in their communities. “It’s going to bring people in good moods, good atmosphere, good experiences and give them a reason to watch it with other people,” Bodnar concluded.
