Bucks boost biz at Dayton-area stores, restaurants

The Ohio State Buckeyes have already secured a win – for local businesses, at least. A Dayton-area restaurant and grocery store expect a huge sales boost because of tonight’s game.

At Archer’s Tavern in Centerville, the cooks have been in the kitchen since early this morning.

“I got here at 5 a.m.,” said kitchen manager Barry Herbert. “We’re kind of calculating, figuring out what we think we’ll sell.”

The sports bar said the first college football playoff national title game will likely mean a 50 percent increase on in-house and carry-out orders.

They are even running some specials – including all-you-can-eat wings and a release party for Boulevard Brewing Company, which expanded into Ohio today.

“We are actually the first restaurant in Dayton to receive their craft beers,” said Herbert.

But not everyone will be tempted to venture into the cold. In fact, Dorothy Lane Market hopes people will throw parties at home.

“We have everything you need,” said assistant store director Tom Swing. “We have cakes, party dips, appetizers…”

Swing said his store on Far Hills Avenue in Oakwood is twice as busy today.

“It is close to a regular holiday in here. Lines all over the place, people buying party supplies,” he said.

Aside from freshly-made buckeyes, Swing said there is one other item surprisingly in hot demand.

Signs reading “go bucks, cook those ducks” are located near displays of duck confit and duck bacon. Swing said the meat is selling fast.

OSU-themed desserts, balloons and employees clad in scarlet and gray make one thing clear: Plenty of people are buying into the underdog in Dayton, and that’s good for business.