The playoff energy is undeniable in Edmonton these days. You can feel it everywhere—from the blue and orange flags flying from car windows to the packed patios along Whyte Avenue. As our beloved Oilers continue their Stanley Cup journey, the excitement isn’t just fueling fan spirits; it’s breathing new life into our local restaurant scene.
Walking through downtown yesterday, I noticed something remarkable. Even on what would typically be a quiet Tuesday evening, restaurants were buzzing with activity. Servers in Oilers jerseys darted between tables while televisions in every corner displayed highlight reels from the last game.
“We’re seeing at least a 30 percent increase in sales on game nights,” Rena Hoblak, general manager at Rocky Mountain Icehouse on Jasper Avenue, told me during a brief moment between serving customers. “It’s not just during the games either—the whole day has this energy that brings people out.”
This playoff boost couldn’t come at a better time for Edmonton’s hospitality industry. After weathering the challenges of the pandemic and inflation pressures, many local establishments have been looking for something to help them turn the corner.
Mark Chisholm, owner of Arcadia Brewing Co., shares that sentiment. “The playoffs have been incredible for business. When the Oilers win, everyone wants to celebrate. When they lose, everyone needs to commiserate. Either way, they’re doing it with good food and drinks.”
According to Explore Edmonton, each home playoff game generates approximately $8 million in economic impact for the city. A significant portion of that flows directly to restaurants, bars, and pubs within walking distance of Rogers Place.
But the effect extends well beyond downtown. Even in neighborhoods like Ritchie and Garneau, establishments are seeing the orange crush of Oilers enthusiasm affect their bottom lines.
“We’ve started hosting watch parties for away games,” explains Sara Khatib from Situation Brewing on Whyte Avenue. “We’re usually at capacity within minutes of opening the doors. The community aspect is what makes it special—strangers becoming friends over their shared love of the team.”
What’s particularly interesting is how restaurants are adapting their offerings to capitalize on the playoff momentum. Special “Oiler Burger” creations, blue and orange cocktails, and hockey-themed desserts have appeared on menus across the city. Some places are even naming dishes after popular players.
I tried a “McDavid Melt” sandwich last week—appropriately fast and satisfying, just like our captain’s play style.
The economic ripples go beyond just the restaurant owners. For servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff, playoff season means more hours and better tips. Many establishments have had to bring on additional help to manage the surge.
“I picked up five extra shifts this week,” says Tomas Grajewski, a bartender at Central Social Hall. “My rent is covered for next month thanks to the Oilers making this run.”
The Edmonton Economic Development Corporation estimates that a deep playoff run could inject more than $100 million into the local economy. Restaurants might be the most visible beneficiaries, but hotels, retail shops, and transportation services all see significant upticks as well.
Of course, the relationship between sports success and restaurant prosperity isn’t new to Edmonton. Many establishment owners recall the economic surge during the 2006 Stanley Cup run. What’s different this time is the power of social media to amplify the experience.
“We posted a video of our restaurant erupting after Bouchard’s goal last game, and it went viral locally,” explains Kim Javurek from The Common. “We had a line down the block for the next game. People want to be part of that shared experience.”
As a lifelong Edmontonian who’s covered our culinary scene for years, I’ve rarely seen this level of synergy between sports and local business. There’s something uniquely Edmonton about the way our entire community rallies around the team—and around each other.
Whether the Oilers bring home the Cup or not this year, our local restaurants are already champions in finding ways to create memorable experiences that keep people coming back. And in a city that knows its share of long winters, that’s something worth celebrating.
For fans looking to join the action, I recommend making reservations well in advance for game nights. Many places are now booking days ahead for prime viewing spots. And remember to be patient with staff—they’re handling playoff-level crowds with regular-season staffing in many cases.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a reservation to make for Saturday’s game. I hear The Bothy has a new McDavid-inspired scotch flight that’s not to be missed.
