'Twilight New Moon' boosts sales at Turkey Creek businesses

'Twilight New Moon' boosts sales at Turkey Creek businesses

By KRISTYN CADDELL
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- "New Moon," the next installment in the "Twilight" vampire romance saga, has sucked up $140.7 million in its first three days to deliver the third biggest opening weekend ever.

"New Moon" also set an all-time high for opening day with more than $70 million on Friday.

Ever since Twilight "New Moon" opened at the Regal 18 at Turkey Creek theatre, officials there say it has been packed, even selling out of a lot of shows.

All of this isn't just good news for the theatre, but also surrounding businesses.

"It's been very, very busy," said Smoky Mountain Brewery Manager Latoshia Parton.

The tables at Smoky Mountain Brewery were filled Sunday.

"It was one of our busiest weeks so far this year," said Parton.

The rush started on Tuesday after the red carpet premier, with the stars of the movie Taylor Lautner and Kristen Stewart, and it's been nonstop ever since.

"Anything that is going to boost our sales is plus," said Parton.

Across the street at Red Robin, sales were on the upswing as well, and it's being attributed to "New Moon."

The Smoky Mountain Brewery's sister restaurant, Calhoun's, also has been packed with Twilight lovers, some who even looked the part.

"They had a lot of people come over for the movie dressed up like vampires," said Parton.

Businesses are hoping the extra sales will continue. The managers say they welcome a big movie like "New Moon" any day of the year.