LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — As hundreds of thousands of fans of K-Pop group BTS head into Las Vegas for Memorial Day weekend, numerous small businesses are being inundated with fans after a phenomenon: the BTS Army effect.
BTS will perform at Allegiant Stadium for four nights from May 23 through 28.
Across Chinatown, patrons will see lines outside restaurants and various establishments after a visit from one of the K-Pop band members or the group.
While BTS and members of the boy band have notably visited other popular establishments across Las Vegas, they have been spotted along the Chinatown corridor at popular mom-and-pop shops for good Asian eats.
“Where they go, we know it’s going to be good. We know there’s going to be a mob of people, but at least it’s like, our people,” said one fan who is coming in from the Bay Area, who had already seen a prior show locally.
Urban Matcha found a line outside the door, this morning, after band member J-Hope came Thursday for a shaved ice matcha dessert; millions of fans watched videos of the visit circulate on social media platforms.
Fans also visit establishments that appeared on a BTS Army “live feed;” other establishments hold BTS-themed special events with special menu items through the performance dates.
“Our small businesses in Chinatown and small businesses that are members of the Chamber are so excited for BTS to come here the second time around. They bring a factor to them as they love to support small businesses– and as they support small businesses, the Army follows and supports small businesses,” said Catherine Francisco of the AAPI Chamber.
The business boost comes after a packed previous weekend on the heels of the Electric Daisy Carnival in town; hundreds of thousands of attendees headed to Chinatown establishments in search of food and drink at all hours of the day and night.
“Everyone really discovering Chinatown– and its great businesses and great products and food and drinks. We thank them for really supporting small businesses,” Francisco said.
Establishments have ramped up staffing and preparations to accommodate extra patrons in town during the back-to-back EDC weekends and BTS performances, Francisco said.
