It's a wonderful networking opportunity. I've definitely furthered deals. I meet high-level and influential people here, and it's a good way to touch base.

What's your take on the Jamie McMurray and Kurt Busch deals?

The opportunity to captain your country is one that would make anyone proud, but apart from a couple of chats to the umpires I didn't actually do much.

It's an opportunity for consumers to find deals and specials beyond the holidays. Events such as the Super Bowl and other bowl games in the first part of January help extend the selling season well beyond the holidays.

I think it's a great chance (everyone will stay) because none of the people who have an opportunity to leave are really hurting financially. That helps us out a lot. Everybody might not love school, but we love the basketball part about it. Money isn't the issue for the people who have the chance to go.

This event has definitely grown. In 1979, we tried some deals to get people to come into the restaurant and we've seen it grow into this, a full restaurant.