Will restaurants face a World Cup tourism bubble?

[Bon Appétit]

Plus the attempted Hooters rebrand, the wild world of stadium food, and we revisit an LA bar helping its community View in browser | Manage preferences  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  SUBSCRIBE FOR FULL ACCESS Welcome to Open Tab, a weekly roundup of news, gossip, and stories that have stayed open in my tabs all week. Last week we covered some controversial tipping trends. I’ve truly become jaded and immune to bizarre brand collaborations over the past few years. A Grillo’s Pickles-flavored PBR? Snooze. Tabasco x Absolut Vodka? Whatever. Kylie Jenner partnering with Lockheed Martin? Well to be fair, that one I made up. But I admit that I raised an eyebrow at the incoming Popeyes partnership with the Surf Lodge, the nightclub and restaurant in Montauk. I’ve never been to Surf Lodge (and likely never will, for what it’s worth), but my impression was that the West Village-types that attended weren’t looking for a tower of chicken tenders to compliment their club-going experience. Who knows? I’ve been wrong before. (Once or twice.) In other news, Manhattans have been dubbed “boy martinis,” though I will say I have never felt less masculine than when I’m bashfully fishing the cherry out of the bottom of my Manhattan. Also this week: The tourism industry braced for staggering World Cup crowds—but they may not be coming. And, should you bring your kids to Hooters? The answer feels obvious, but some parents are doing it anyway. Also, stadium food is wilder than ever, and we’re taking a look back at a story that’s getting its well-deserved flowers. If you have any food gossip to share, please send me a note or a DM. SAM STONE STAFF WRITER   SAM STONE STAFF WRITER   Will Restaurants Face a World Cup Tourism Bubble? BY SAM STONE There was a lot of hype in the tourism industry around this year's FIFA World Cup which would take place in major cities across North America. Hotels jacked up their prices—some by more than 300%—and restaurants across the country prepared by partnering with spirits brands, planning drinks specials, and generally girding their loins for the mass of fans they expected. For these restaurants, World Cup crowds could be big revenue generators. In New Jersey, for example, the event is estimated to bring in more than $3 billion in direct economic impact. But so far, those expectations don’t seem like they’ll be met. In major cities, hotel bookings haven’t seen a huge spike, according to The Athletic. That means less tourists, which could mean smaller crowds at local restaurants and bars that were counting on the crowds’ revenue. Experts are saying the tourism slump is likely due to the pricey deposits needed for tourist visas as well as extra expensive airfare. READ MORE Dear Bon Appétit Our cooking advice column is open for submissions—ask us a question! We’re here to help you get dinner (and lunch and breakfast) on the table.   SUBMIT NOW Dear Bon Appétit Our cooking advice column is open for submissions—ask us a question! We’re here to help you get dinner (and lunch and breakfast) on the table.   SUBMIT NOW Why this ad? More From Culture This BDSM Cafe Wants to Normalize Pleasure and Dining Out The Team Behind Netflix’s Chef’s Table Is Launching Its First Food Festival This Summer On the Side Would You Bring Your Kid to Hooters? After a bankruptcy claim, the brand is pivoting “back” to family friendly, according to the founders. You’ll Want to See What Fans Are Sneaking Into Baseball Stadiums: Hint: spaghetti dinners. After the LA Wildfires Last Year, One Bar Stepped Up: Read the award-nominated piece. Why this ad? MORE FROM BON APPÉTIT   RECIPES   INGREDIENTS   COOKING   SHOPPING   CULTURE   MORE This e-mail was sent to you by Bon Appétit. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add our e-mail address, bonap...@newsletters.bonappetit.com, to your address book. View our Privacy Policy Unsubscribe | Manage Newsletter Preferences   Copyright © Condé Nast 2026. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.