Spring is in the air and so is the excitement of college hoops and (of course) the anticipation of Reds opening day. Bars and restaurants at the Banks are looking forward to a big boost in business.
This weekend will be a money maker for businesses at the banks, including the new Italian restaurant, Santo Graal, brought to you by the same people who own the Holy Grail.
Paul Goebel, the co-owner of Santo Graal, which means ‘Holy Grail’ in Italian, said they have something special for pizza lovers.
“We’re going to have a pizza window, it’s available during, you know, all the heavy times on the street, late night you know after all the restaurants close and then we’ve got good casual comfort food Italian inside here,” said Goebel.
The pizza window is open until 4 a.m. Next door at the Holy Grail, they’re already filled up with folks watching the final four including the Leinfelder family from Milwaukee.
“The three of us are very excited, go Badgers!” said Jonathan Leinfelder.
The Leinfelders’ admit they’re out of their comfort zone surrounded by so many wildcats, but Moerlein Lager House General Manager, Justin Weiner, said they’re all spending plenty of green this weekend especially on opening day.
“There’s nothing like it. Opening day is a special event for Cincinnati. Packed people, just gangbusters down here. I’m extremely excited. I’m very pumped about it,” said Weiner. “I think the Reds are going to have an outstanding season this year and we look forward to getting it started.”
Tin Roof has stocked up supplies and hired extra staff.
“It’s a great weekend for us with the final four and opening day right around the corner. It’s a good day for us to start the spring season for everyone down here at the banks and get people out,” said Tin Roof Manager, Kyle Ostrander.
People like Cord Theilmeyer said this weekend at the banks is the place to be.
“It’s going to be real exciting. Like you say we got all the crazy Kentucky fans down here this weekend so they’re gong big blue and we got the opening day versus the Pirates,” said Theilmeyer.
Opening day will be a great opportunity for people watching. Thousands will be down at the banks, many of whom will be playing hookey from work. The streets will be closed to traffic for a big block party which is guaranteed to be lots of fun.