‘The energy is incredible’ – NBC Boston

If you want to know the power of these Boston Celtics, look no further than the hundreds lining up at a local restaurant on Thursday, hoping and waiting for a chance to see Al Horford.

“It’s Al Horford, how could I miss it?” asked Walter Estrade, who was standing in line with his brother and sister at a quarter past seven on Thursday. “It’s a hot day, it’s always worth it for Al Horford.”

In fact, hundreds of people waited on Boylston Street in a line that stretched down the block. Horford was harassed when he entered the Raising Cane’s for a promotional appearance.

“The energy is incredible, I’m just grateful, this is the kind of thing you just dream about and now that I’m in this position I feel pretty grateful,” Horford said once inside.

Horford said he did not travel to Miami with some of the players to celebrate Monday night’s victory, choosing instead to spend time with his family. In fact, he said, this trip to the Back Bay was only the second time he’s left home since winning it all.

“We play basketball for the Celtics, but we understand that we represent Boston a lot more, we represent the New England region. I’m just really proud to bring a championship to Boston,” he said. “It’s been tough, a lot of hard work and a lot of tough losses over the years, but just to get to this point I’m very grateful.”

Friday is expected to be a big day for Boston businesses as the city celebrates the Celtics.

All these victories of the “Green Team” make local businesses see green.

“We estimate, and that’s with the help of the NBA, about $6 million per game, so that’s a pretty good number,” said Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of Meet Boston.

Sheridan says Friday’s parade is also big, as Fridays in the city remain a bit slower as more people work from home.

“A lot of these small businesses that can host people during the day, lunch businesses and happy hour businesses, are really going to reap the benefits of the parade happening here on Friday,” Sheridan said.

At Abe & Louie’s on Boylston Street, they’re expecting a big crowd on Marathon Monday, but they’re ready.

“The hype is real and we are lucky to have received the 18th banner,” says Bruno Marini of Tavistock Restaurant Collection. “The marathon has gotten us so used to it. We have the staff, we have the ice, our vendors come a day early, so we’re definitely ready. It’s exciting and it’s great for the city.”

“People want to be with the excitement and be part of it,” he added.