Sports have the power to transform quiet dayparts into vibrant, profitable opportunities for restaurants and bars. While sports betting from fantasy to pools has long been popular, the true magic may lie in creating a community hub where fans unite to cheer on their favorite teams.
Sharing the space with fellow supporters, singing chants, and celebrating together turns a simple morning game into an experience that lasts all day.
By tapping into this energy, venues can draw in crowds during typically slow hours, fostering both loyalty and a sense of belonging—ultimately creating a new, powerful profit stream.
In several neighborhoods of New York City, Olde City Pubs has managed to carve out a unique space in an already bustling pub landscape.
The pub has achieved remarkable success by uniting two seemingly distinct groups: local fans of the English Premier League’s Arsenal Football Club and Philadelphia expats working and living in the city.
Under the leadership of Evan Stein, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Olde City Pubs, the establishment has grown into a lively, energetic venue that celebrates the spirit of sports, camaraderie, and local pride. Stein’s vision for Olde City Pubs is a testament to how sports, culture, and community can blend seamlessly into a single, welcoming space.
When Evan Stein opened the Chelsea location in Manhattan of Olde City Pubs, it was designed with a specific sports culture in mind—one that would tap into New York City’s robust soccer scene.
Though he wasn’t initially an Arsenal supporter, Stein recognized the potential of attracting the passionate Arsenal fan base.
“I met with some of the key leaders of Arsenal’s New York City supporters’ group before we even opened,” Stein explained. “I told them, ‘I’ll make this place the best Arsenal bar you’ve ever seen.’ We’ve stayed true to that promise.”
And indeed, Olde City Pubs has become known as the destination for Arsenal fans in Manhattan. The pub is adorned with Arsenal colors, and even the building itself is painted in the iconic red and white hues of the football club.
The Arsenal crest proudly decorates the exterior, a feature that draws in passersby who can often be seen taking pictures outside the establishment.
The fan base has grown rapidly since Olde City became the headquarters for Arsenal’s official NYC supporters. Whether it’s a Saturday morning 7:00 a.m. kickoff or a mid-afternoon match, the pub is packed with fans clad in red jerseys, cheering loudly for their team.
“It’s not just about watching the games,” Stein noted. “It’s about the experience—coming together to root for a common cause. You can feel the energy in the room. These fans are incredibly passionate, and we’re proud to give them a home.”
One of the challenges—and opportunities—Olde City Pubs has faced is adjusting to the unique schedule of Premier League matches, which are often held during unconventional hours for New York bars. Early morning games, starting as early as 7:00 a.m., present logistical challenges, from staffing to stocking the right supplies.
“We’ve had to get creative with managing those early hours,” Stein said. “For the morning games, Arsenal supporters tend to favor Guinness—it’s our best-seller by far during those times. And we’ve developed a breakfast menu to complement that.”
The breakfast offerings at Olde City Pubs go beyond your typical pub fare. Stein has incorporated nods to his Philadelphia roots with unique items like broccoli rabe and egg sandwiches and house-baked hoagie rolls sourced from a bakery in Philadelphia.
“We want to give our customers a reason to come early and stay through the game,” Stein added. “The breakfast sandwiches are a huge hit, and they’ve become a tradition for our regulars.”
In addition to being an Arsenal hotspot, Olde City Pubs is also a welcoming haven for Philadelphia transplants. Stein, who grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, understands the strong ties that Philly natives have to their hometown sports teams, even when living in New York City.
At Olde City Pubs, Philadelphia sports are always a priority. Whether it’s an Eagles game on Sunday or a Phillies game during the MLB season, Stein ensures that Philly fans feel at home.
“We have a lot of Philly expats who live in New York and miss that connection to home,” Stein explained. “I wanted to create a space where they could watch their teams and feel like they’re back in Philly, even if they’re a couple of hours away.”
Olde City Pubs serves up an authentic Philadelphia experience by offering iconic food items like cheesesteaks made with Liscio’s rolls—the same bread used by many beloved Philly sandwich shops.
“Food is a big part of it,” said Stein. “Cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and hoagies—these things matter to Philly folks, and we’ve made sure to get them right.”
At the heart of Olde City Pubs’ success is its ability to create a community where sports fans—whether they’re rooting for Arsenal or a team from Philadelphia—feel like they belong.
Stein’s commitment to both fanbases has fostered a loyal customer base that transcends typical pub-goers. Whether it’s sharing a pint at dawn with fellow Arsenal fans or gathering for a Sunday afternoon Eagles game, Olde City Pubs offers a sense of camaraderie that is rare in a city as big and diverse as New York.
“We’ve built something special here,” Stein said. “It’s more than just a place to watch a game. It’s a community of people who come together to support their teams and celebrate their shared passions. That’s what keeps people coming back.”
With the success of Olde City Pubs in Chelsea and other locations, Stein is optimistic about the future. The pub’s unique strategy of catering to both Arsenal fans and Philadelphia expats has proven to be a winning formula.
Stein has plans to expand further, creating more spaces where fans of all stripes can come together. “We’re looking at opening new locations and bringing this model to other neighborhoods,” Stein revealed. “The love for sports and community is universal, and we think there’s room to grow.”
As Olde City Pubs continues to flourish, it remains a shining example of how understanding your audience and creating a welcoming atmosphere can lead to lasting success. In a city where the competition is fierce, Olde City Pubs has found its niche—and it’s thriving.
Learn more about Olde City Pubs visit Olde City Pubs’s website.
