Overall Chataqua really sees an increase in customers during the spring, almost ten-fold, because we used to be closed during the winter, says Mara Balassa, an employee at the dining hall. The spring crunch not only brings business to restaurants, but also provides significant employment to thousands of food service workers. This spring our business has exploded, says Todd Gibbons, general manager of Illegal Pete s on Pearl Street. Right now we have over forty employees working for us, not even counting our place on the Hill. Springtime is a win-win situation for restaurants.
Owners are happy with the jump in business, and their workers are also making better money.
Since spring break ended, I ve been making about twenty to forty dollars more than usual on tips every night, says Steve Osetek, a waiter at B.J. s bar and grill on Pearl Street. I love the spring.