Alex Smith’s rocket pass to Vernon Davis in the closing seconds of Saturday’s victory over the New Orleans Saints brought more than joy for 49er fans in the area – it gave local businesses and bars one more week.
With the 49ers winning like they did once before – coming on the heels of the San Francisco Giants’ first World Series championships – local bars and memorabilia shops are staring increased revenue in the face.
“Yeah, there has definitely been more interest in the 49ers,” said Jerry Muenzer, owner of Muenzer’s. “It definitely is an increase in sales. Everyone gets excited. They want a new sweatshirt, a new hat and that type of stuff.”
At Bill’s Bullpen the reaction has been similar.
“Monday, there was absolute excitement in the air,” Bill Mifsud said. “People came in and wanted to talk about the game – I’m still the bartender. People are coming in to talk about it and they want to buy a shirt and hat. It’s not a bandwagon yet, but it’s moving.”
If people continue to pack downtown bars during games, expect standing room only, Cheap Seats owner Norma Rendon said.
“It was really busy this last weekend, and we expect it to be just as busy this weekend,” she said. “It will be really busy. We usually get a big crowd.”
But the crowd is always bigger when the local team continues to play in the postseason.
“There was in increase, oh yeah, it was packed,” Rendon said. “It was crazy. Everyone was here screaming. When it’s a local team, it does make a big deal.”
The 49er crowd hasn’t reached the level of the Giants’ run in 2010, but it continues to grow.
“No, it’s not the same level of the Giants, because you can imagine, they’ve been there before,” Mifsud said. “The Giants never did. It was huge. It was a first time.”
He continued: “But phone calls are coming in for tickets, and people want to know about merchandise. There is a lot more energy now. There is energy in the air. Last time, I said it was cautious optimism. Now we are the favorite.”
starting to recreate the same atmosphere of the 2010 Giants’s run, Rendon said.
“Oh yeah, it was the same atmosphere,” she said. “It was really crazy. It was really, really good for us. We are expecting a big crowd (Sunday). It’s been very good for us the last few weekends. I hope it goes well and I hope it keeps on staying busy. It’s good for us.”
With plans for a raffle already set for the Super Bowl on Feb. 5, if the 49ers make it to the championship game, Rendon expects Cheap Seats to be busier than ever.
“A local team does bring in a lot of people,” she said. “So I’m assuming it’s going to be packed. It’s going to be busy.”
At Muenzer’s and Bill’s Bullpen, merchandise is ordered and ready for those who want it.
“We have some of that stuff coming to us right away,” Muenzer said. “So go 49ers.”
