Profits are up with many eateries attracting customers from as far away as Berwick for a pre – or post – theatre meal.
And bosses have told the Echo they are having to turn people away from their premises because they are so busy.
Colette Hume, who works at Luciano’s Italian Restaurant in High Street West, said: “We are normally busy at this time of night because of our early bird menu, but the Empire show has meant we are packed to the rafters.
“A lot of people have called from outside the city asking us how far we are from the theatre, and if we do early specials.
“We are having to turn people away because we can’t get them in to eat before the show starts.”
It is estimated by restaurant owners and bars that many of those visiting to see Miss Saigon are spending around £15 in the city.
And today council bosses said they were delighted local businesses were getting a boost from the theatre.
Councillor Mel Speding, cabinet member for culture, the arts, sport and leisure, said: “The fact that the staging of lavish West End productions – such as Cameron Mackintosh’s Miss Saigon – is drawing in both a regional and national audience is of major significance to the prosperity of the city.
“Local restaurants are actively promoting pre-theatre menus and finding new ways to encourage business. In turn theatregoers are enjoying all that Sunderland’s variety of restaurants and bars have to offer.
“As the proud owner of the Empire, Sunderland Council is extremely pleased the city is already enjoying the ripple effect of its success.”
Now restaurant owners are hoping future shows will be as popular as Miss Saigon to continue their good fortune.
David Liu, owner of the Ming Dynasty, next door to the Empire, said: “It’s been really fantastic, and we hope that future shows will mean the high numbers will be usual.
“We have had customers from as far away as Berwick and loads from Newcastle. It is great to get new people in. And there are a lot of block bookings, too. We’re very pleased.”