Overview
- Square's analysis, published Tuesday, of millions of transactions from June 11 to June 27 found bars and breweries nationwide posted an 8 percent revenue increase during the group stage.
- Late-night activity drove much of the gain with transactions between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. jumping 20.2 percent compared with a baseline period.
- Host cities outperformed the national average, led by Boston at a 28 percent increase followed by Philadelphia (23 percent), Seattle (21.8 percent), and New York/New Jersey (18.5 percent).
- Local policy moves such as Massachusetts allowing last call as late as 3 a.m. and Boston's social districts, plus extra staff and promotions, helped venues capture visitor spending and extend service hours.
- Match-driven demand changed menus and buying patterns as food orders rose 13.6 percent, burgers climbed 11.6 percent, ranch dressing gained about 11.5 percent, and non‑alcoholic drinks grew faster than beer while some Boston pubs briefly ran short on draft beer.