NYC Restaurants See Boost From Marathon Runners Carb-Loading
Italian restaurants and pizza places report a significant uptick in business as participants and their supporters fuel up for race day.
New York City eateries are experiencing a surge in customers as the NYC Marathon approaches, with pasta and pizza restaurants seeing a notable increase in demand for carb-loading meals. This pre-race tradition benefits businesses across the city, from Hudson Yards to Park Slope.
Ci Siamo, an Italian restaurant in Hudson Yards, has observed a significant business boost on the days leading up to the marathon for the past five years. Executive Chef Hillary Sterling reported serving 716 bowls of pasta last year in the days before the race, generating an estimated $18,000 in sales. Many runners stop by after picking up their race packets at the nearby Javits Center.
"For marathoners, the appeal goes beyond a satisfying meal: Carbs replenish glycogen stores in the muscles and liver, helping runners sustain endurance and delay fatigue," according to health information cited in the report.
In Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood, Pasta Louise also experienced a strong performance during marathon weekend last year. The restaurant sold 1,710 bowls of pasta, bringing in an estimated $30,000, in addition to selling 125 pounds of housemade pasta for runners to prepare at home. Owner Allison Arevalo noted that diners frequently request double portions of pasta during this period, and that "everybody does" participate in carb-loading, not just the runners themselves.
Pizza establishments are also benefiting from the pre-race fueling. Pizzeria Fornino reported a 15% increase in business the night before the marathon, particularly at its Dumbo location. Chef and founder Michael Ayoub mentioned that race participants and their families are easy to identify by their large pizza orders.
Scott's Pizza Tours, led by founder Scott Wiener, offers specialized tours in the week leading up to the marathon. For $65, participants can experience a 2.5-hour tour visiting three pizzerias across NYC, making carb-loading more varied. Wiener often directs clients to Sicilian-style slices, citing their high "bread per square inch" value and lighter dairy content, which he considers ideal for runners.
Restaurants are also offering deals to attract marathon participants. Olio e Più in the East Village is providing 50% off pasta for registered runners and their friends on Saturdays. Pasta Louise is offering pre- and post-race specials, including a protein-packed pasta for pre-race fueling and a richer Bolognese for post-race celebration. Select Épicerie Boulud locations are offering half-price croissants on Friday and Saturday for runners who show their bibs.
The trend extends to home cooking, with grocery delivery services like FreshDirect seeing an increase in pasta sales in the week before the marathon. Chef Sterling suggests cooking pasta with broth for added protein and collagen, while Aquavit's Emma Bengtsson recommends purchasing sourdough bread from local markets as a simple pre-race carb option.