During the FIFA World Cup, the city government has launched the “Five Borough Winners Special” to support small businesses, where hundreds of restaurants, bars, and food vendors across the city will offer $26 special meal deals to attract crowds to support local businesses.
According to the event details, participating businesses will offer fixed-price $26 meal and drink combinations for a duration of six weeks, covering the World Cup period. Currently, nearly 600 businesses in the five boroughs of New York City have signed up to participate, and the city government is encouraging more food and beverage establishments to join in.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that even if New Yorkers cannot afford expensive game tickets, they can still partake in the World Cup atmosphere. He emphasized that in New York City, one does not need pricey tickets to be a part of the World Cup. “Our small businesses have some of the best seats in the house for the World Cup,” Mayor Mamdani said.
The mayor mentioned that the special meal deals will help working-class New Yorkers and tourists find dining and viewing locations at a relatively affordable price, while also bringing more foot traffic to businesses throughout the city.
He also highlighted the idea of watching the games at restaurants in Jackson Heights, bars in the Bronx, or cafes in Brooklyn, expressing the hope that all New Yorkers can participate in the excitement of the World Cup.
In addition to the $26 meal deals, the city government will also introduce the “Welcome World Cup Rewards Program.” People can accumulate points by checking in at participating businesses and have the chance to win World Cup-related prizes such as limited edition souvenirs, fan event experiences, and even tickets to the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Businesses participating in the “Five Borough Winners Special” will also be showcased on the “Welcome World Cup Rewards Program” platform, allowing customers to earn points while supporting these businesses. The ways to participate are as follows:
1. $26 Special Deal: Participating businesses offer any $26 dining deal, including meals, drink pairings, snacks, discounted beverages, or other promotional activities. The deadline to sign up is July 1, and the event will run from June 11 to July 19 during the World Cup period.
2. Limited Edition Commemorative Cup Giveaway: Participating businesses will give out limited edition commemorative cups, each with a different design for each borough.
3. Encouraging customers to collect all five cups and share their dining experiences on social media. Businesses registered before June 11 will receive two boxes of free cups (a total of 96 cups) by July 4, while supplies last.