Spectators consume 120 burgers and 250 subs in a single hour

SOME Southport businesses are finally reaping the fruits of the Commonwealth Games, and have reported a surge in trade thanks to hungry triathlon spectators.

GCB D Point Ten owners Henry Kim and Dean Jeong ran low on milk trying to feed the hungry masses. Picture: Kirstin Payne

THEY came, they saw, they ate.

Southport businesses have reported a romper boost in trade thanks to the thousands of hungry Commonwealth Games triathlon spectators.

Fast food venues and cafes in the area say they sold up to double the amount of stock during the events on Thursday.

GCB Subway Manager Nicole Berry was glad to see the business boost after a slow couple of weeks. Picture: Kirstin Payne

Southport McDonalds which was positioned on the Marine Parade triathlon course sold 120 burgers in an hour, while Subway had 250 subs walk out the door.

Subway Southport Manager Nicole Berry said the busy day was welcome relief.

“This was the best business we have had in a long time,” Mrs Berry said.

“It has been dead for weeks with the lowest sales we have had in years, so yes I am keen for this to keep up,” she said.

For the sporty crowd it seemed health was still on the menu, with fish and chicken fillings proving the most popular.

Marlene and Amanda Huxford from Broadwater Convenience worked to feed the triathlon crowd. Picture: Kirstin Payne

Similarly cafe D Point Ten saw a trend towards the healthier options during the busiest day since opening.

“It has been our biggest day ever, we had to restock on the milk a few times. They were asking for almond milk, skim or soy the most, ” part owner Dean Jeong said.

“We have had at least three times as much (business) as usual.”

Amanda Huxford who was working behind the deli at Broadwater Convenience during the event said most snacks flew off the shelves.

Broadbeach has been consistently busy throughout the past few days.

Kurrawa Park and the nearby beach was a hive of activity, with locals taking part in celebrations.

Empty shelves at Broadwater Convenience after a busy day. Picture: Kirstin Payne

A statue of beloved Games mascot Borobi was in high demand from people posing for selfies with the blue tuxedo-clad koala.

Meanwhile in Surfers Paradise traders were hoping it would be their turn for the spike in business soon, but it seemed to be the contrary.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not employee Rubie Cichon, 19 said Surfers streets have been packed — but business is the same as usual.

“We were expecting a lot more customers with all the tourists coming in, but we’ve just had average numbers over the past two days,” Cichon said.

Agreeing with Rubie was Melbourne resident Brigitte Calvert who regularly visits the Gold Coast, who said the usually packed Cavill Avenue looks as if the Games hasn’t even started.

Ben and Jerry’s acting manager Ashleigh Joeseph, 21 said the reason business is quiet is because no sporting events are being held in Surfers.

“People are here for Festival 2018 — and that doesn’t get good until night time,” Joeseph said.

“I did think that it would be a lot busier with the way everyone was talking about it.”