Restaurants in Jalisco are hoping for a boom in business during the London 2012 Olympic Games, with more customers coming to watch sports involving Mexican athletes.
Juan Jose Tamayo, vice president of the Jalisco Restaurant Chamber, predicts that restaurants will see a 30- to 50-percent increase in clients throughout the games, which take place from July 27 to August 12.
According to Nielsen statistics, the 2008 Beijing Olympics attracted 4.7 billion viewers, equivalent to 70 percent of the world’s population
After the Chinese and South Koreans, Mexicans were the third most devout viewers. A massive 93 percent of Mexican viewers tuned in to watch the games on television.
Establishment owners anticipate the Mexican soccer team to be one of the biggest draws of the Olympics in Jalisco. Although local star Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez won’t be taking part, Mexico’s under-23 side is among the favorites to bring home a medal.These restaurateurs, however, may not have factored the time difference into their ambitious aims. With Mexico four hours behind the United Kingdom, two of El Tri’s group matches will take place at 8.30 a.m. Mexican time and the third at 11 a.m.
Thus the only places to benefit will be those open for breakfast. Moreover, the number of potential clients will be significantly reduced by the fact that the games will take place during working hours.
Restaurant owners have suffered in recent months, with an increase in violence apparently scaring off customers. Some reports suggest Chapala establishments have experienced a drop of up to 40 percent in sales, while Tapatio eateries have also lost between 20 and 30 percent.
In order to reassure restaurant goers, local authorities have stepped up the police presence in popular eating districts such as Providencia, Lopez Cotilla and the Chapalita neighborhood.