Jay Shell stood looking out on Broad Street on Wednesday evening feeling a bit discouraged.

The owner of 333 on Broad and Brewhouse Music and Grill said that even with the NAIA Championship, business was slow at his establishments, but he hoped things would pick up.

“We had about six guys last night at Brewhouse who were NAIA officials,” he said. “I’m hoping for it, I know with the game being on a Thursday we can expect less of a crowd than in years past.”

He said during last year’s game, 333 was “slammed.”

“I feel like it being on a week night is the biggest part of it,” he said.

It was pretty much the same story at other local restaurants on Broad Street. Though painted windows welcomed out-of-towners, there haven’t been as many hungry fans as expected.

“So far, we haven’t seen a big increase in business,” said Jefferson’s manager Jennifer Givens.

With football on every big screen TV at every bar, waitresses were preparing for a crazy night and the beer taps were ready for the flow. But even Zack Williams, manager at Curlee’s, said business was actually slower than usual.

“We’re expecting to see an increase in business, but we have not seen it yet,” Williams said.

John Schroeder, owner of Schroeder’s New Deli, said he is looking forward to business peaking as more fans come into town. “It’s been really nice, we get to meet people from the two towns that are coming in, and they seem to really embrace Rome as we’ve embraced them.”

Shell said he is glad local businesses have been getting pumped up about the game. “I’m excited, even Dogwood Books has their windows painted,” Shell said. “I think Broad Street has done their job welcoming people.”