‘You’ll never reproduce that’: Brewers’ historic World Series run brings big business to local bars
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The Milwaukee Brewers’ first-ever World Series title gave fans a reason to celebrate and local bars and restaurants a major boost in business.
From packed watch parties to crowds gathering before and after the championship parade, businesses across the Milwaukee area saw an influx of customers during the historic run.
At Kelly’s Bleachers, owner Anthony Luchini says he has never seen anything like it.
“I’ve been here 24 years. I’ve never seen anything as busy as the last two weeks here. It was insane,” Luchini said.
The crowds translated into a significant boost to the bar’s bottom line, too.
On a typical Brewers game day, Kelly’s Bleachers shuttles between 250 and 400 people. But during the two home games, that number jumped to nearly 1,300 to 1,400 people, Luchini said.
“Some people walked because our shuttle lines were long, but it tripled the income,” he said.
Luchini says the business was unlike anything he could have planned for.
“You’ll never reproduce that last week of business. I couldn’t even come up with an idea to get that many people in here,” he said.
In South Milwaukee, Moran’s Pub took its watch party beyond the walls of the bar, bringing fans together on an entire block with a giant outdoor screen.
When owner James Moran was celebrating Halloween, he was dressed for the occasion as one of the Brewers’ most recognizable characters.
“It’s Halloween, and I am Bernie Brewer,” Moran said.
Moran says taking the party outside allowed the pub to accommodate far more fans than it could inside.
“What we can do in here, we’re doing 10 times the amount outside, so it really is crucial,” he said.
The turnout was especially big for Game 4.
“Game 4 was the biggest attendance we had, looking at 1,200,” Moran said.
And he hopes the success leads to more opportunities to work with the Brewers beyond the postseason.
“I want to reach out to the Brewers and see what we can do regular season here in South Milwaukee and work with them. I just see us doing more,” Moran said.