Long Beach businesses ready for Super Bowl Sunday

With the New York Giants squaring off against longtime rivals the New England Patriots — and with thousands expected to descend on Long Beach for the annual Polar Bear Splash — many business owners say that they are gearing up for a bustling Sunday.

With many businesses experiencing a down cycle in the winter months, business owners say that a New York team in the Super Bowl will be a boon to business and that the extra revenue will help get them through a slow season.

“Any New York team helps the economy in a big way, but for us, especially with the Giants, it will be three times as busy as it normally would be and we have to take advantage of these moments,” said Tom Corning, owner of Minnesota’s. “I think it’s the best weekend of the winter in Long beach, especially with the mild weather we’re having and the Polar Bear Splash.”

With 25 screens and two 10-foot screens, Minnesota’s, at 959 West Beech St., is considered one of the main bars for Giants fans, Corning said, adding that the restaurant will open for brunch to accommodate those participating in the Polar Bear Splash, which last year attracted roughly 5,000 people.

“Everybody is pumped and the whole town is going to be crazy.” Corning said. “People come out in their bathrobes before the Polar Bear Splash and come to brunch,” Corning said. “We’ll be selling Polar Bear sweatshirts, as we have in year’s past, and it’s just a classic day in Long Beach.”

Like many establishments in Long Beach — from a Whale’s Tale to the Allegria Hotel — Corning said that Minnesota’s is offering a special Super Bowl menu package (Minnesota’s includes three courses and unlimited drinks throughout the game). Sweatshirts for the Polar Bear Splash, which raises money for the Make-A-Wish-Foundation, will also be on sale, and Corning said that many spectators and participants return from the event to celebrate and watch the Super Bowl, which kicks off at 6:30 p.m.