Brewers' playoff run brings hope for local business boom following historic flooding

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's been a long couple of weeks for local businesses in Milwaukee County. Beyond following August's historic flooding, the Brewers have clinched the division and have a promising playoff run ahead. Business owners say this is just what they need.

"The atmosphere when you go into the playoffs is electric," said Michael Lange, the owner of Fourth-N-Long in West Allis.

He says the Brewers are bringing in a business boom when he needs it most.

"That’s really when it starts ramping up, everybody is ready to go," said Lange. "See how deep we can get into the playoffs."

Lange had just started offering game day shuttle services three weeks before the flood and says his only vehicle was flooded while providing those services that were becoming a hit.

"Besides losing the van, we were trying to fight mother nature like everybody else," said Lange. "We had a small river running through our kitchen area,"

Still recovering from the costs, he says their shuttle should be back up and running this week just in time for the playoffs.

"It actually helps," said Lange. "It helps everybody's spirits. You know we were fortunate compared to a lot of people out there. As bad as it was, it was a lot worse for other people. It gives them a place to get away and be able to forget life for a bit and be able to enjoy the Brewers with everybody."

Café Hollander is another local business still trying to get back on their feet in Wauwatosa, and they say they will reopen its doors at 4 p.m. on Friday, September 26, following extensive renovations, just in time for more Brewers action.