Businesses Hope to Win Over Football Fans [POLL]

As New York Giant fans start finalizing their plans for Super Bowl Sunday, Hauppauge business owners have their fingers crossed. Many local restaurant and bar owners are offering specials in hopes of luring football lovers away from their couches and to their tables to increase their business.

"This month in particular, it’s been crazy. It’s been the slowest January I have had," said Gus Panagatos, owner of Hauppauge Paradise Diner. "Maybe it's after the holidays, but part if it's the economy."

Panagatos installed new sports bar in the back of the diner this November, and Super Bowl Sunday marks the first major sporting event since it opened.

Steve Critelli, owner of Hurricane Grill and Wings in Hauppauge, is also preparing for his first sports celebration since opening in December. He claims to have a plan in place for Sunday.

"What we decided to do over here, to increase the traffic flow of the restaurant, is have a reservation system," Critelli said.

For $25, customers can reserve a seat at Hurricane Wings. Upon placing their reservation, Critelli said the customer will be given a floor plan of the restaurant and allowed to select an exact seat that will be theirs for the game. The reservation will come with a $10 food voucher and one free drink.

"I’d rather see a group come in and be happy then have people lined up through the doors," the restaurant owner said.

Other Hauppauge business owners said they are turning to low prices to bring the crowd, afraid many will opt to stay at home.

"It's a big day for house parties," said Helena Behan, owner of The Grafton Street Pub. "But for $20, they could come out and eat."

Graft Street Pub will be offering specials including 10 cent wings, $1 burger sliders and free chili dogs during half time. In addition, drinks will be ofered to pick their team and when their team scores a touchdown, will receive a free shot on the house.

Several other bars and restaurants are going to lengths to offer a free buffet, hoping sports fans will head out for the free food.

" I’m offering free buffet. Plus my drink specials are low enough, it will cost them more to buy it on their own," Panagatos said.

Pub 347, formerly the Eagle's Nest Pub, will also be offering a free buffet starting at 5 p.m. in hopes of attracting customers.

Now, for a rundown of Super Bowl specials:

10 cent wings, $1 burger sliders, $3 pints of Bud and Bud Light, $3.75 for bottles of Bud and Bud Light. Two-fers on well drinks. Free chili dogs at halftime and free house shots when your team scores.

For $25, reserve a seat and receive a $10 food voucher and one free drink. Hurricane Grill is also offering 5 percent off all prepaid wing orders, call ahead make sure your order is filled and schedule a pick-up time.

Free buffet and drink specials. Specials will change every quarter.
Catering packages start at $99 for 10 to 12 people, includes a tray of wraps, veggie platter, a half tray of buffalo wings and french onion dip. Packages go up to $199 for 20 to 25 people.

Free buffet starts at 5 p.m. Drink specials will be announced on Super Bowl Sunday.

Tap and Barrel
This microbrew pub will be offering multiple drink specials on craft beer. Specials to be announced on Super Bowl Sunday.