Downtown Businesses Hoping Suns Fans Will Revive Struggling Restaurants

Because of the ongoing global pandemic, some downtown Phoenix businesses have struggled to remain afloat. Since Phoenix Suns fans are now allowed back in the stands, the businesses are hoping that those fans will help to bring back some revenue.

1,500 fans are now allowed back in the arena to watch the Suns play, and hopefully they will enjoy eating at local restaurants.

Ross Simon, the owner of Bitter & Twisted and Little Rituals told AZ Family, "Downtown is so dependent on events, games, concerts, show, and there's none, so it's kind of catastrophic in that sense."

There are also less people working downtown, which has put a damper on business.

"I would say maybe 30% have returned to their offices, but more like 70% haven't. We used to get a really nice happy house, but that's completely gone," Simon said.

Simon is excited about the fans returning to games and hopes that it will be a big help.

Simon explained, "It's reassuring that everyone is feeling confident that we are doing it in a responsible way. So from that standpoint, it's a little glimmer of hope because we know even if we get 20 to 30 people from that game, it's going to help that bottom line and help us tick along until we can hopefully get busier."

Restaurants are currently following COVID-19 guidelines with the requirement of face masks and social distancing, as well as a 50% capacity.

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