Iconic Calgary watering hole basking in Stampede success

CALGARY (660 NEWS) – There’s an old adage among those in Calgary’s hospitality sector – Stampede can make or break your year.

It seems this was a ‘make’ year for establishments like Ranchman’s Cookhouse and Dancehall.

“We set records,” said President Doug Rasberry. “The five largest days we’ve ever had were during this Stampede.”

The iconic watering hole had over 45,000 customers during the 10-day event and Rasberry thinks that’s a reflection on the Stampede’s success.

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth experienced its second-highest attendance ever this year, with 1,275,465 visitors to the grounds.

Stampede organizers claim the economic benefit from the event works out to around $250-million.

READ MORE: Stampede sees second highest attendance in history

Rasberry said there’s a spin-off effect and when Stampede does well so does the hospitality sector.

“There’s more people coming to town, the spin-off effect takes place, and I think the Stampede itself has done a marvellous job with their marketing over the past couple of years.”

That boost to the bottom line appears to have carried over to many restaurants and bars.

“I have heard … downtown places have (also) been busy,” Rasberry said.

Here We Go! #PBR #Stampede2019 pic.twitter.com/ooFhIVsF9P

— Ranchman's Calgary (@Ranchmans) July 3, 2019

It’s welcome news for a sector that has been battered by tough economic times and higher costs in recent years.

“Obviously, Alberta has not enjoyed that good of an economy over the last little while,” Rasberry said. “Sometimes a big party like this just kind of lets people let loose and maybe go and enjoy themselves a bit more.”