Local businesses seeing boost thanks to World Choir Games

NORWOOD, Ohio - With 15,000 singers from 64 countries in the Tri-State, local businesses hope to see an increase in business.

So far managers say the games have been a positive influence on sales.

"We started with a good amount of groups that have been coming, and it keeps coming," said Bridget Bain-Grass, sales manager at Buca Di Beppo in Rookwood Commons.

Buca had two large groups in for dinner Thursday night.

Almost 50 singers from San Jose stopped in to eat and get out of the heat. The group even broke into song for workers and other guests.

"We like Cincinnati, heat and humidity no, but as far as the city really it's a beautiful city," said Anthony Arnold, Director of the Miller Choir.

A second tour group of almost 60 singers from Indonesia came in after the Miller Choir was finished.

The added business is a big bonus during what is typically a slow month for restaurants.

"To be able to bring them into our restaurant in the summer time, at a time when we're not as busy, it's a great opportunity to show what we can do at Buca and promote our brand," said Bain-Grass.

Buca has been planning for the World Choir Games since it was announced that Cincinnati had won the bid to host the games.

They work with the Cincinnati Convention and Business Bureau, local hotels, and travel agents to bring in business.

Buca Di Bepps says it has tour groups scheduled to come in throughout the length of the World Choir Games.

For more information on the World Choir Games visit http://www.wcpo.com/subindex/entertainment/world_choir_games .