Toronto Blue Jays return to Toronto for game six World Series on Friday, but the first games have already proven successful for restaurants in the city, according to data from payment platform Moneris shared with Global News.
Addison Barger delivered a grand slam last week. Blue Jays took a comfortable lead to a dominant 11–4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series.
“When Toronto wins the World Series, the city celebrates in a big way,” said Sean McCormick, vice president of data services at Moneris.
“Restaurant transaction volume jumped 27 percent near Rogers Center and 10 percent citywide in Game 1, clearly showing how the championship stage is inspiring fans to enjoy the experience while spending a little more,” McCormick added.
Fans also spent more money per transaction, with average transaction size up 13 percent near Rogers Center and 5 percent citywide.
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The jump wasn't as big after Game 2, with Los Angeles tying the game after beating the Jays 5-1, but transactions were still up 20 percent near Rogers Center and two percent citywide.
The average transaction size rose 12 percent near Rogers Center after the second game and 4 percent citywide.
Similar data was also seen after Game 7 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) in Toronto.
When the Jays beat the Seattle Mariners 4-3, restaurants near Rogers Center saw a 29 percent increase in transaction volume and a 17 percent increase in transaction size.
Restaurants across the city also benefited, with the number of transactions increasing by nine percent and average spending per transaction increasing by eight percent.
Merchandise sales also surged this year, with the Blue Jays posting their best regular season record (94-68).
Sales of Blue Jays merchandise were up 15 percent year-over-year in August and 16 percent in September, according to payments platform Square.
“Fans are purchasing nearly two Blue Jays merchandise per order at stores carrying Blue Jays merchandise, highlighting growing demand during this historic season,” Square said in a statement.
“Our data shows that the team is not only surprising its fans, but also inspiring them to shop local by taking actions like game-day promotions and Blue Jays themed offers, and using real-time data tools to optimize staffing and inventory during peak days,” Carisa Marra, Head of Sales, Square Canada.
According to Sam Brenner, vice president of Silverware, which provides technology solutions for the hospitality industry, the World Series could not have come at a better time for the struggling restaurant industry.
Silverware's 2025 Canadian Hospitality Report last week found that 39 per cent of restaurant owners in Canada are concerned about rising costs.
“Moments like the World Series are a great reminder of how sports can energize local economies. We typically see increased spending at bars and restaurants when fans come together to watch the games – even when overall consumer spending is constrained,” he said.
“For many operators, these events are more than just busy nights; this is an opportunity to increase loyalty and compensate for slow periods.”
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