As the 2010 World Cup kicked off last Friday with a 1-1 tie between Mexico and the host nation South Africa, restaurants across the United States look to welcome the soccer-crazy fans and the casual American fans to create an energetic scene and create sales.

For sports bars around the country, especially the ones carrying English or Irish pub themes, the World Cup accounts for huge increases in traffic. The American team brings high hopes and with the overall growth in soccer’s popularity, it should drive even more people to the pubs this year.

In Chicago, “Mother Hubbard’s” is offering $30 World Cup Buckets containing a beer each from the United States, Germany, Mexico, The Netherlands, England and Italy.

Hooters not only will host World Cup watch parties, but the chain also opened its second location in South Africa last week in Johannesburg.

McDonalds, the official sponsor, is running special promotions in several countries. Their “Taste the Glory” campaign has customers peel off game pieces off Big Macs and Egg McMuffins to win instant prizes. McDonalds is offering a chance to win tickets to the match between the United States and Brazil, which will take place in NY in August.

Other restaurants around the country are offering World Cup cups, online sweepstakes and online coupons through their websites and twitter.

Whichever way you look at it, everyone plans on being a winner.
Chris & Joan team