Vancouver restaurants bet on FIFA World Cup patios to lift sales, attract tourists, and help an industry still recovering from pandemic losses.
Vancouver Restaurants Look to Summer Soccer Surge
It may still feel like winter, but Vancouver’s restaurant scene is already thinking about sunshine, crowds, and kickoff whistles. As the city prepares to host several FIFA World Cup matches this summer, local eateries are lining up for patio permits and hoping the global spotlight will finally turn into real dollars.
After years of tight margins and uneven recovery, many owners see the tournament as a rare chance to reset their fortunes.
Patio Season Arrives With New City Support
Every spring, patios return to Vancouver streets, and this year the timing feels especially important. According to the city, patio season runs from April 1 through Halloween. Meanwhile, permit applications have already started flowing through City Hall.
This time, the city is also rolling out a new, low-barrier option for ground-floor businesses. Storefront seating will come with no permit fee, a simpler approval process, and expanded eligibility. Notably, even non-food businesses can now apply.
In addition, new design guidelines aim to help businesses set up outdoor seating that meets city standards. However, permits will not be issued until March, which means owners still need to plan ahead.
FIFA Buzz Fuels Demand for Outdoor Seating
For the B.C. Restaurant and Food Services Association, patios are more than a seasonal perk. They are a key strategy for making the most of FIFA crowds.
Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the association, says demand for outdoor seating will surge as fans flood the city. Restaurants that already had patios last year face a smooth application process. However, new patios or layout changes require provincial approval, which can take several weeks.
Because of that delay, timing matters. Owners who move early stand the best chance of opening on time.
Industry Seeks a Real Sales Rebound
For years, restaurants leaned on Canucks games to drive traffic. Now, that strategy has lost its punch. Instead, the World Cup offers something much bigger.
According to Tostenson, the industry has struggled ever since pandemic restrictions reshaped dining habits and costs. Although some recovery has occurred, many businesses still feel the strain.
That’s why FIFA matters so much. With more tourists in town before, during, and after the matches, sales could jump dramatically. While a typical boost might sit around 30 per cent, Tostenson believes some restaurants could see sales climb by as much as 50 per cent.
Why This Summer Could Be Different
Patios already play a big role in Vancouver’s dining culture. This year, they may matter more than ever. With long days, packed streets, and soccer fans looking for places to gather, outdoor seating could become the heartbeat of the city’s food scene.
If the weather cooperates and approvals move quickly, Vancouver restaurants may finally catch the break they have been waiting for.
