E.L. readies for St. Patty’s

Area bars don’t think poor economy will stop potential partiers

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Having early morning classes Wednesday might deter students from drinking green beer and wearing shamrock paraphernalia today, but the economy most likely won’t.

The number of people going out has remained the same, but instead, many are spending less, said Paul Stewart, general manager of Crunchy’s, 254 W. Grand River Ave.

“People still want to be able to go out and enjoy themselves,” said Stewart, who said crowds have been large. “But they’re more geared toward food specials … to get the most out of what they have.”

Other bars such as The Peanut Barrel Restaurant, 521 E. Grand River Ave., have noticed this, too.

General manager Eric Skusa said many bars and restaurants in the area are not recession proof, but are somewhat resistant to hard times.

“I expect to have pretty much the same kind of St. Patrick’s Day that we usually have,” Skusa said. “People don’t stop celebrating special events.”

Nate Wallace, a hospitality business junior, said the biggest downside to this year’s turnout is St. Patrick’s Day is on a Tuesday. But he does not think the economy will affect local businesses because students generate revenue.

“Everybody loves St. Patrick’s Day,” said Wallace, who also is an employee at Dublin Square Irish Pub, 327 Abbot Road.

Assistant general manager Joe McMahon said Dublin Square Irish Pub will be full from 7:20 a.m. until midnight or later.

“Having the Irish theme will keep people coming in the entire day,” said McMahon, who is expecting about 1,000 guests. “There won’t be a lot of downtime.”

St. Patrick’s Day will consist of drink and food specials and live entertainment at other places around town. Some will simply allow outdoor seating because of the projected warm weather, while other places will open their doors at 7 a.m.

Nicci Dykhouse, a veterinary technology senior, said although she looks forward to the events at various bars, she will not be at the bar the entire day in fear of overspending.

She said she’s only planning on going to the bar for an hour or two because drinks are so expensive.

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