NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Businesses in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish are gearing up for the crowds that the Bayou Classic brings. Ahead of the game, attendees must make sure their look is on point! Brandy Stanton, the owner of Wink Beauty Bar in Gretna, says she has gained new customers because of the annual event. "It’s a mixture of regular and new, a few from Baton Rouge. I have a few from Grambling,” Stanton said. "Between this weekend and I'm going to say Christmas weekend, it is one of the best weekends we have.” Some wear the jersey to support their alma mater, but Stanton says she's representing her school in a different way. "I actually went to SUNO,” Stanton said. "So, it's like a 360 moment for me to be able to participate in it, as a lash artist, and getting everybody together. So, I love it.” Hours before the Battle of the Bands, people stopped by Lil' Dizzy’s Café on Esplanade Avenue for lunch. The restaurant's owner, Arkesha Baquet, says she expanded their hours and is expecting to serve up to 1,000 customers over the weekend. "We open this Sunday for Bayou Classic. We're usually closed on Sunday, but we know during that time, during this weekend and holiday, people come not only for the game, but they come to visit their family on Thanksgiving, and they stay for the weekend,” explained Baquet. "So, we purposely open every Sunday during Bayou Classic to give them a chance to come and dine with us.” It may be a weekend about rivalry, but it's also about community. "It's a great feeling to be a part of it because it's not just the tradition, it's also like family,” said Baquet. "It’s a blessing for me because I am a graduate of Southern University in New Orleans, so I take a lot of pride in being a part of the Bayou Classic weekend.” Latest Posts Southern University football defeats Grambling in 51st Bayou Classic, 24-14 Gaetz saga moves toward final act in House Ohio State, Michigan players involved in melee after Buckeyes loss, multiple people pepper sprayed Truck carrying 44,000 pounds of dried chickpeas catches fire in Death Valley National Park Bob Bryar, former My Chemical Romance drummer, dies at 44