HIGH POINT – City restaurants – one local barometer of the vitality of the High Point Market – report decent to strong sales for the fall trade show that officially concludes today.

“We’ve been better than the last market. We’re not complaining. From last Thursday to last night (Tuesday), we’ve been steady every night. One night has been as good as the other,” said Dennis Byrne, owner of the Claddagh Bar & Restaurant.

In talking with his customers, Byrne found that trade show buyers and exhibitors generally are reporting good business and orders during the furniture market.

Grateful Bread Owner Teresa Mackey said sales at her cafe have matched or improved from previous markets during this week and last week.

Mackey said Grateful Bread’s busiest period took place before the formal opening of market last Saturday.

“You have visitors in town, but they have the flexibility to leave their buildings and go out to lunch. We’ve still had busy days this week, but not tidal waves like last week,” she said.

Liberty Steakhouse & Brewery General Manager Russ Hildebrand said business was busiest on Friday and Monday during the fall market. Noticeable sales increases from market started the evening of Oct. 13, he said.

“It’s been great. We weren’t disappointed,” Hildebrand said.

Business was up at Tom’s Place compared to the spring market and fall market of last year, said Owner Chris Giannopoulous.

“The whole market has been good for me,” he said.

Sales from the market picked up on Oct. 12 and continued strong through Wednesday, Giannopoulous said.

pjohnson@hpe.com | 888-3528