NFL season sparks more business

BUFFALO, N.Y (WIVB) - Buffalo Bills fans brought new hope and enthusiasm to the brand new NFL season. And that means more business for several local restaurants, bars, and retailers.

At Laux Sporting Goods in the Boulevard Mall, business is good when the Bills do well.

Owen Ruppert from Laux Sporting Goods says, "When the Bills do well, I mean, it shows. We're always really busy when the Bills are doing well. Just yesterday, we went maybe double what a normal Saturday would be."

Before Sunday's game, fans were picking up jerseys, t-shirts, hats, and lots of kids apparel to make sure they grow up cheering for the right team.

Gameday is also huge for La Nova Pizza. Busy Sunday afternoon here can be directly related to the Bills success. With many optimistic fans watching the game at home, La Nova sold about 100 extra pizzas.

La Nova Pizza owner Carla Todaro Pantano says it was, "Super busy today. Brought about 15 extra people on today. Very excited for this day. Really think it's going to be a big year for us. I think the Bills are going to be good this year."

And of course, the sports bars are busy on Gameday as well. The Rockpile in Hamburg just opened three months ago and several of the sandwiches are named after Bills players. They're banking on fans catching the game there while the Bills are on the road.

Mary Miller, The Rockpile owner says, "It's been a great turnout. I love the support of the local people and businesses. It's been great."

The Bills didn't give them a lot to cheer about in the season opener. But has the most loyal fans will tell you, it's only one game.