The following was published in the San Jose Mercury on June 9th:
Michael North, co-owner of the Britannia Arms on Almaden Expressway, has the kind of problem every restaurateur dreams about.
His establishment has a legal capacity of 220 patrons. Yet more than a month before Saturday’s World Cup clash between England and the United States, 200 people had called to reserve seats for the 11:30 a.m. match from South Africa.
To that end, North has added seats on the patio, scheduled extra staff, set a limited menu and installed an extra television — bringing the Brit’s total to 24 screens.
“We will try to accommodate everyone who wants to watch while following the guidelines set by the fire marshal,” said North, an Englishman who has U.S. citizenship. “I told everyone to be in your seat by 11, or the reservation is void.”
Like many restaurants, pubs and bars that cater to sports fans, the Almaden Brit expects brisk business throughout the World Cup.
North will sell U.S. and England T-shirts on Saturday and plans to give away raffle tickets throughout the monthlong event.
The prize: a soccer shirt signed by Pele.
http://www.mercurynews.com/sports/ci_15259809?nclick_check=1
The San Jose Mercury article by Jon Wilner also includes a list and map showing establishments recommended for soccer-viewing in other parts of the Bay Area (along with their national team allegiances!).
While it may be a bit late for World Cup viewing with only the final left tomorrow, but there will be other sports events and other World Cups in the future!