Businesses near the Consol Energy Center and throughout Pittsburgh have taken a hit during the National Hockey League's lockout and many owners said they're more than prepared to host fans once again.

The owner of Milano's in uptown Pittsburgh said business has been slow since the lockout began, but he's now expecting it to pick up once the Penguins hit the ice.

"I wasn't expecting too much…, the rest of the season to be played out. But since we found out today it's all smiles," said owner Eric Neff.

The manager of the restaurant on Fifth Avenue, across from Consol Energy Center, said on a normal Pens hockey day every seat in the business is filled.

"This place would be solid packed if this was hockey. So would the second floor," manager Terri Rihn said. "I definitely noticed the missing income, the lack of overtime, the lack of tips."

According to officials at Visit Pittsburgh, the city will earn at least $46 million in tourism dollars now that the NHL season is set to begin. That's half of what a full season brings in.

"This is a slow season for Pittsburgh because this is winter and we don't get as many travelers. Having hockey games I a good boost to our economy," said Visit Pittsburgh's Connie George.

George said the revenue will be split between retail, hotel and restaurants.

"Pittsburgh without a sport going on is lost," said Neff.

"We're minimum wage workers. Without hockey season…, that's our big bonus," Rihn said.

Officials said home games add $2 million to the city's economy. Businesses will now have to wait and see how much they can earn back from the losses.