READING, Pa. – Thursday was Opening Day, and across Berks County, fans showed up. At Pagoda City Brewing, the game appeared on every screen.
“I’m here at Pagoda City Brewery for another Phillies victory today, and it looks like we’re doing good here,” said Phillies fan Uncle Pauly.
After a long winter, fans were just happy to be out.
“It’s always great to come out here for opening day. There’s great vibes here…birds are chirping… bugs are out,” said Phillies fan Tom Longenecker.
And for many, this is tradition.
“We’ve been here last year and the year before. Friends of ours own it. So we always come here, but we’re big baseball fans, too,” said Phillies fan Kristin Ciemiewicz.
That kind of turnout is exactly what businesses are looking for as the season gets started.
Over in West Reading, The Bar Cart was doing things their own way, with hot dogs, cocktails and a whole lot of energy.
“By having the right music playing, having the TVs up, having a food menu and a drink menu that corresponds with what’s going on in Philly, we’re able to provide an experience for them to be able to get together with friends,” said Kacie Griffith, owner of The Bar Cart.
And yes, that means, more customers, and this is just the beginning.
“This place is developing into its own character, and people are finding their way over to here, and they’re having a really good experience with our beers,” said Raj Jagadesan, owner of Pagoda City Brewing.