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SALT LAKE CITY -- Pierre Vandamme isn't part of the NBA. In fact, he is a chef. But he's excited as any that the NBA lockout is over, and not just because he's a fan.
He is the owner of Bruges Waffles just off of 300 West and 300 South in Salt Lake City, mere blocks from the Energy Solutions Arena, home of the Jazz. That means that on game nights, he sees fans come through his doors and fill up on his waffles.
"We see them all the time, the people, and sometimes they swing in, of course," Vandamme said.
Game nights translate into sales of his famous Machine Gun sandwich. The sandwich was featured on Man vs. Food a couple of years ago, which brought in fans of Jazz opponents who saw it on TV and wanted to try it. But since the lockout, less people have asked about it.
But more businesses than Bruges have seen less people and fewer purchases. Jazz merchandise and clothing sale have decreased.
Steve Eliason is the vice president and general manager of Fanzz, and he says the NBA lockout locked up his profit margin.
"It's been a drought for quite a while now and so we're just excited to hear the good news," Eliason said.
Now all those jerseys, sweaters, and hats the store stocked up on can finally be put out. After the end of the lockout was announced Saturday, customers were at the Fanzz store at the Gateway mall looking to buy.
"We've had a lot of customers in the store today say that they've heard the great news and they're going to start shopping for NBA products," Eliason said.
The Utah jazz will play 33 home games this year, starting next month. That's eight less than during a normal season, but local businesses agree 33 is a lot better than zero.
"Absolutely they're a huge part of our business," Eliason said, "year round, but especially during the season."
Email:acabrero@ksl.com.
