Ace Group Classic boosts area business
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A look at what senior golf tourney means to Naples economy Video by fox4now.com
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NAPLES, Fla. - A cell phone picture of golfer Sandy Lyle is Carol Maconi's favorite.
"Sandy Lyle has been in here almost every day since they've been in town," said Maconi, the owner of Zookie's Sports Pub & Grill.
Golfers, caddies and tourists in Naples for the Ace Group Classic have meant more customers coming in early and staying late.
"This weekend definitely, we see a big increase in business," explained Maconi, who says her sales have gone up about 20 percent.
Other Immokalee Road businesses close to the tournament echo the same.
"It's 400 more customers," said Adrana Sina, the manager of a nearby Dunkin Donuts. "I know [many people come from there]."
Sina says this is her busiest time of year.
"All the time, they're paying a lot of money," she added.
That's because with the golfers, come big orders.
"Ten dozen donuts, 10 boxes of joe, six boxes of joe," explained Sina. "We do orders with them, we work with them."
Sunday is the last day of the event at TwinEagles. But since it began on Tuesday, thousands of people have shown up.
It brings a smile to Sina. "I love so much working with them," she said. "All the time i work them. They're very good people."
And recognition to neighborhood favorites like Zookie's, where word of mouth is the game.
"A lot of people don't come out this way too much east of I-75," said Maconi. "So, it really lets people know that we're here."
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