The flock of alumni returning to Gainesville for Homecoming weekend is expected to give a boost to local businesses - one that is especially welcome during the economic crisis.
"It's like the swallows returning to Capistrano," said Gregg Brannan, owner of Leonardo's Pizza in Millhopper Plaza. "They have to go back for their annual trek because their instincts tell them to."
Brannan, who has owned the restaurant since 1979, said Homecoming weekend brings in a lot more business because alumni used to eat at the restaurant when they were at UF.
"They all want to go back to the places they used to eat and the names they remember," he said.
Brannan said he recognizes alumni who come in year after year, ordering the same pizza they used to eat.
The boost in business at Leonardo's is usually about 40 percent more than during non-game weekends. Customers buy more desserts and especially more alcohol, he said.
"People are a lot more excited and are spending a lot more money," he said.
Satchel Raye, owner of Satchel's Pizza, said willingness to spend more money is the main reason his sales are driven up during Homecoming weekend.
"Pitchers of beer will be flowing a little more, and we'll see more pizzas going to one table," Raye said.
He expects a 10 to 15 percent increase in sales this Homecoming weekend, which he said should help make up for a recent lack of business on weekdays.
Satchel's isn't the only local business that has seen sales drop.
Randy Akerson, owner of Burrito Bros., said the recent economic crisis has been the worst he has ever seen and that the restaurant has had a slight decrease in business.
But when alumni return to Gainesville to cheer on the Gators, business at Burrito Bros. should increase by two or three times, he said.
Akerson said more workers would come in to help out with the flood of customers, especially on Saturday.
"After 30 years, we have it down to a science," he said.
