Toronto restaurants raking in business thanks to Blue Jays' historic postseason run

From pre-game beers to post-game celebratory shots, Toronto fans have been shelling out some serious cash as the Blue Jays inch closer and closer to World Series glory, according to new data. 

A recent study by Canadian commerce solutions provider Moneris found that restaurant spending surged significantly during the instant classic Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), where the Jays sent the Seattle Mariners home in a thrilling epic, and the first two World Series games versus the Los Angeles Dodgers played at the Rogers Centre. 

To crunch the numbers, the provider tracked transaction volume (referring to the total amount spent) and transaction size (referring to the average amount spent per transaction) near the Rogers Centre and across the city during the games.

During Game 7 of the ALCS on Oct. 20, restaurants near the Rogers Centre witnessed a 29 per cent increase in transaction volume as well as a 17 per cent increase in transaction size. Elsewhere in the city, restaurants saw nine per cent more transactions and eight per cent higher average spend per transaction. 

"The ALCS finale was a clear boost to Toronto's restaurant scene," said Sean McCormick, Vice President of Business Development, Data Services at Moneris. 

On Oct. 24, during Game 1 of the World Series, where the Jays took a 1-0 series lead, transaction volume surged 27 per cent week-over-week, and average transaction size rose 13 per cent. Across the city, restaurants saw a 10 per cent increase in transaction volume and a five per cent increase in transaction size. 

"When Toronto wins in the World Series, the city celebrates in a big way," McCormick added.

The heightened spending momentum continued through Game 2, as restaurants near the Rogers Centre saw a 20 per cent increase in volume and a 12 per cent rise in transaction size. 

Moneris

With the series now tied 2-2, the Blue Jays are guaranteed a Game 6 at Rogers Centre on Friday. If the past data is any indication, Blue Jays fans will continue to spend big at local restaurants, especially if a win is on the menu.