Yes, the Open brings more traffic. But it brings more business, too.

Several Hampton Bays businesses said they welcome the visitors from the U.S. Open, even if it means more traffic.

Scott Gerber, owner of Uncle Joe’s Pizza & Parlour on Montauk Highway, said the business has seen an increase in sales from the U.S. Open in addition to seasonal summer rentals and the FIFA World Cup.

“Anytime there's a large-scale event anywhere in the Hamptons, a lot of local tourism picks up,” he said.

Since “housing is tight” in the area, Gerber said that Hampton Bays is one of the most popular areas for rentals.

“We see a ton of new folks coming in, and a lot of people coming in saying they're going to be going to the Open, so our numbers are up,” he said.

Steven Fusco, who has owned Bagel Place Cafe & Deli for 14 years, said foot traffic increased on Monday and he anticipates business to especially boom when tournament play begins Thursday and runs through Sunday.

Fusco said while they received an influx of customers at the last U.S. Open in 2018, the only thing he doesn’t like about the event is the increased traffic.

Last week said it took him an hour and 20 minutes to drive from near Exit 65 on Sunrise Highway to the store.

“It’s horrible,” Fusco said. “I mean, it's bad enough out here in summer to begin with.”

Still, Fusco said the event is overall a positive thing, and if they wanted to “do one after the Fourth of July” he’d be happy. Fusco said his wife painted patriotic decorations on the storefront’s glass windows and doors last week in anticipation of tournament visitors.

“I complain about the traffic, but I like the business,” Fusco said. “I'll take it.”