BNP serves up appetite ahead of tournament

The BNP Paribas once again serving up an appetite.

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden’s now signature dining spots, Chophouse, Piero’s Pizza Vino and Nobu are finally open for this year’s tournament.

“It”s great, I’m glad they’re here,” said Stephanie Dunn of La Quinta.

“Very beautiful, it makes you feel very romantic sitting outside,” said Betty Lutes of Rancho Mirage.

These restaurants employ mostly local staff, but Nobu brings in some people from other cities. The restaurants say they need all the help they can get to keep up with crowds.

Last year more than 430,000 people attended BNP.

“You have to pray for a table,” Lutes said.
“Tonight it was probably easier to get a table,” we asked some of the diners.
“Oh really easy,” Dunn said.

This year snagging a table will be a little easier thanks to the help of a digital waitlist you can add your name to at any restaurant.

“Your name is online, green means the table is ready, red means move fast and then you’re cut if you don’t show up,” said Piero Pierattoni, owner of Piero’s.

Pierattoni says last year his pop-up restaurant alone served more than 11,000 people. Many of them stay in local hotels and help the valley economy cash in.

“It’s crazy what’s happening here. People complain of traffic but the economy needs it, this town needs it,” Pierattoni said.

“Not only the economy. I just think it’s beautiful they get to enjoy this tennis. This tennis is the best you’ve ever been to,” Lutes said.

The restaurants are open to the GENERAL PUBLIC:

Thursday, March 5 5-10pm

Friday, March 6 5-10pm

Closed Saturday except for ticketholders of McEnroe Challenge for Charity

Sunday, March 8 – Tuesday, March 10 11am-10pm

Open to TICKETHOLDERS:

Wednesday, March 11-March 22 11am-10pm