Marilynn's Place
SHREVEPORT, La. — With college football underway and the NFL season kicking off, bars and restaurants across the ArkLaTex are welcoming fans looking for a place to catch the action.
 
Business owners say football season typically brings an increase in customers, with many establishments offering specials and extending hours to attract game-day crowds.
 
At Marilynn's Place, line cook Charles Cook said the restaurant plans to open on Sundays and Monday nights during football season. The restaurant features six large-screen televisions, giving customers multiple viewing options.
 
“Any time LSU is on the play, we’re going to be ready to show and put our support out,” Cook said.
 
To mark opening weekend of college football, Marilynn's Place offered free beer to the first 50 customers who arrived wearing a jersey.
 
Customer Kevin Hammond said the restaurant has become a popular spot for fans because of its atmosphere and variety of games on screen.
 
“They’ll have whatever game you want to see here and it’s just a great place, great crowd, camaraderie, good community,” Hammond said.
 
Cook said the restaurant aims to provide a welcoming environment where customers can enjoy both the game and a meal.
 
“I think it gives the ability for the public to come in and see an ambient atmosphere to enjoy a good meal as well as the game,” Cook said.
 
While college football draws fans each weekend, some businesses say NFL games bring even larger crowds.
 
Colton Johnson, owner of Bears, a Shreveport bar, said New Orleans Saints games typically generate the biggest turnout.
 
Johnson said Bears sees a larger increase in customers when the Saints are playing than during most college football games.
 
“I would say for us it’s more Saints games. We have a bigger increase in patronage than college games,” Johnson said. “It’s always a good time. We’ve always got plenty of room for folks.”
 
With football season in full swing, local businesses are hoping game-day crowds will help drive sales throughout the fall.
 

Originally published on ktbs.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.