The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is bringing in big bucks for some Long Island business owners, but others are taking a wait-and-see approach.
“In terms of being overwhelmed, no. I can’t say I’m not feeling that way at this point,” said Jim Roggio of Burger City on Hempstead Turnpike.
Naveed Haroon, owner of two businesses on Hempstead Turnpike, La Caraia Gelateria and Spice & Curry Kabab & Grill, told News 12 on Monday that he’s definitely seen an increase in business.
“As soon as the game is over, there are a lot of people walking in,” Haroon said.
Roggio told News 12 two people were at the restaurant Monday to watch the game, but he said he thought there would be more customers.
“We thought the parking lot would be overflowing with people, but that didn’t happen, so it was a little bit unusual,” Roggio said.
Roggio told News 12 a possible reason Burger City didn’t have a crowd for the cricket match is that roads around the park were closed.
“I was watching them close the roads and I said, ‘The way they’re moving cars in a certain direction, I think we’re losing a lot of traffic,'” Roggio said.
Both business owners who spoke with News 12 on Monday said they expect to see even more people coming in the coming days.
News 12 also spoke with Hicksville Chamber of Commerce President Charles Lasenson on Monday.
Lazenson said chamber of commerce members have told him they expect business to boom as people flock to Long Island for the international event.
“Many of them are hopeful that it will lead to money flowing into the local community,” he said.
