AFC Championship draws in large crowds to local bars

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

Local bars in Columbia stayed busy Sunday night as sports fans flocked to their favorite hangouts to watch the AFC Championship match up between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.

Yoeun Moeun, the General Manager of Southside Pizzeria in Columbia said the family-owned restaurant thrives off of the Chief's success, bringing in loyal customers.

"As long as the Chiefs are doing good, we do pretty good," Moeun said. "We have a great group of crowds that come in and a lot of our guests are regulars that come back and see us. This is a family-owned restaurant, so every guest that comes in here becomes our family."

Sports fans at Southside Pizza and Pub brought their energy and passion for the big night.

Chiefs fan Sarah Collier said she expected the Chiefs to come out with the victory. Contrary to her finance Cody Karl, who hoped the Buffalo Bills would put an end to the Chiefs' success.

“I want the Bills to win but you know, I’m sure the Chiefs are going to pull it out. But I love the Bills though, just to make that clear," Karl said.

At Shiloh’s Bar and Grill, Manager Tom Garagnani emphasized the importance of being prepared for big game-day crowds. The bar holds up to 350 guests.

“You know, today it’s going to be busier than normal. We have our own protocols of preparations. We have extra staff, lots of stuff that we do to help make sure that things are ready to go right when we need them to be,” Garagnani said.

Both establishments remain committed to providing a safe environment.

Bartender Derek Comey at Shiloh’s Bar and Grill highlighted the bar's efforts to promote responsible drinking.

“You know, recommending a water and normally honestly, people are very receptive to that first step. By the time that you recommend water, people are usually thinking to themselves that they need one,” Comey said.

The Chiefs are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles Feb. 9 after defeating the Buffalo Bills 32-29.