LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Spain’s World Cup title delivered more than a championship — for one Las Vegas restaurant, it brought a surge in business that owners say came at a critical time.
Tres Social Tapas hosted watch parties throughout Spain’s World Cup run, filling seats for every match. Owners Angelo Reyes and Sergio Mendoza said the tournament drew new customers through the door, with many trying Spanish food for the first time.
A difficult stretch before the tournament
The boost came after months of financial strain. Reyes and Mendoza said rising costs had slowed business, leading to reduced staff hours and owners taking on extra duties.
“The last three to four months due to the cost of living — the gas and then the groceries and food, everything cost a lot more,” Mendoza said. “The industry in general just completely dropped.”
Mendoza said the restaurant made several decisions to manage the slowdown.
“Things were a little below average for us,” he said. “We made a lot of decisions recently to help offset some of those extra costs, knowing that it was a little bit slower.”
World Cup crowds exceeded expectations
When Spain’s matches began drawing fans to the restaurant, the turnout surpassed what the owners anticipated.
“We were expecting a good-sized crowd, but good thing with the Latin community, word spreads and they just kept coming and coming and coming,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza said the momentum did not stop when the final whistle blew. Groups continued coming in after each match.
“When we had the Golden Knights, and in this case, the World Cup, people really get united and forget about their problems, forget about the economy, and it really turns into an electrifying boost for our business,” he said.
Owners look ahead after championship run
Mendoza said the World Cup period gave the restaurant more than a short-term sales lift.
“It gave us, first of all, confidence and really made us — gave us an opportunity to look ahead and focus on how to bring a specific demographic, which also gave us exposure,” he said.
The owners said they are already seeing increased visitors and followers on social media and hope the excitement from Spain’s championship continues to benefit the restaurant.
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