Cinco de Mayo: An opportunity for local restaurants to gain big bucks

Cinco de Mayo is more than just tacos and margaritas. This day is a celebration to remember Mexico's victory in the Battle of Puebla.

It's also an opportunity for local businesses to cash in.

Emily Story, Salisbury University's associate professor of history, tells 47 ABC that many businesses are using this day to reel in customers.

"It's really quite recently in the recent several decades that it's become what it is today. That everyone is aware that it exists and I think a lot of that has to do with marketing. It's a great marketing opportunity for Mexican restaurants," Story says.

And in Laurel, Javier Barrueta, the assistant manager at the Mexican restaurant Tacos Chabelita, says Cinco de Mayo is one of their busiest days.

Barrueta says, "We definitely do see more profit that day and that's just everyone knows of the holiday and they just want to celebrate with the fine dining, the drinks, it's just a good atmosphere on Cinco de Mayo always."

Beyond the atmosphere, customers are craving the cuisine. Tacos Chabelita's manager Isabel Cisneros tells us guests tend to go towards their most traditional features.

Tacos Chabelita even provided several specials to attract an even bigger crowd.

And despite many not knowing the true meaning behind the day, Cisneros says it's still great to come together to celebrate.

"They think it is our Independence Day which is not, but it's still fun to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and in the U.S. because in Mexico it's just like another day," Cisneros tells us.