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Detroit Businesses Score Big During Tigers Run In ALCS

DETROIT (WWJ) - Despite the Detroit Tigers lagging two games to one against the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS, many businesses downtown are scoring big. In fact -- the "green" stretches all the way back to the neighborhood where the Tigers used to play.

Tim Springstead, co-owner of Nemo's Bar in Corktown, said he was a little concerned about keeping the doors open once Tigers Stadium closed and Comerica Park opened, but sticking around has paid off.

"We've been here since 1965 and once it got going, actually business is better now that it was when Tigers Stadium was next door," Springstead told WWJ's Vickie Thomas. "I'm serious, very much so. The fans have been loyal, you give them the convenience of how they do it and it's worked out real well."

Nemo's Bar(1)
Inside Nemo's Bar. (Credit: Vickie Thomas/WWJ Newsradio 950)

Springstead is talking about Nemo's famous shuttle bus, which provides transportation to and from the downtown ballpark for a small fee.

"It's an easy convenience. You park here and take the shuttle down there so you don't get caught in the traffic downtown. It really works out real well," he said.

Nemo's has a new neighbor, too. Ottava Via (or Eighth Street in English) opened its doors just three months ago.

Chef Ariel Milan said the ALCS is great for business, adding that being located next to Nemo's doesn't hurt.

"With us being fresh and new, with 90-second pizzas and pasta and other cuisines, people will straggle over here and use Nemo's bus then come to us for a little fine dining," he said.

Ottava Via (15)
Inside Ottava Via. (Credit: Vickie Thomas/WWJ Newsradio 950)

Milan said he's excited to be apart of the revival going on in Detroit, something that Springstead couldn't agree with more.

"Corktown is doing fabulous, really. Everybody, all the properties, you can't get ahold of anything. It's really fun to watch the whole thing happen," Springstead said.

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