Businesses expect to reel in revenue for Dad’s Weekend

Businesses in Pullman will see an obvious increase in revenue across the board during this Dad’s Weekend, said City of Pullman Finance Director Bill Mulholland.

There are no studies or data from the city to show exact revenue trends for Dad’s Weekend as opposed to other Cougar Football game weekends, but local restaurants, bars and stores expect to experience significant increases in business, he said.

Dissmore’s IGA owner Archie McGregor said this weekend will be busier than any other football game weekend.

“We are expecting a 15 percent increase in business over a normal game weekend,” McGregor said.

Managers from other Pullman grocery stores Safeway and Wal-Mart said they are expecting more business than usual this weekend, and have prepared for it. They declined to give any data on previous Dad’s Weekend revenue increases.

Store Manager Chuck Morrow of local Cougar apparel retailer Crimson and Gray said Dad’s Weekend is normally even busier than Homecoming.

“We have high expectations for this weekend,” Morrow said. “This is an opportunity for us to put out our new merchandise and move forward from last week.”

Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe Supervisor Eric Needham said Dad’s Weekend is not only busy, but it marked a transition for the business.

“Dads love their milkshakes, but this weekend we always start selling a lot more cheese,” Needham said.

Management from Pullman restaurants Paradise Creek Brewery, Cougar Country Drive In and Sella’s Calzone and Pizza, said Dad’s Weekend is the busiest of the year. Sella’s management said the restaurant can expect up to four times their regular revenue.

“Dads want to see where their kids eat, and alumni definitely want to come back,” Cougar Country General Manager Jodi Meyer said. “We do our best to welcome all of the Cougar dads in.”

Managers at local bars Rico’s Public House, Valhalla Bar and Grill and Stubblefields also all said they are expecting increased business this weekend, but could not give any data on previous Dad’s Weekends.

Paradise Creek Brewery General Manager Scott Mackey said in honor Dad’s Weekend they will offer a $3 pint special Friday night.

Some WSU students are excited about Dad’s Weekend, but others were concerned about how busy restaurants will be this weekend.

“I’m going to be avoiding the restaurants and making home-made foods this weekend,” said senior zoology major Katie Barton. “If you’re going to a restaurant leave early and plan for an extra hour of waiting.”