Boston isn’t the only U.S. city scoring big with World Cup crowds, with new Square data showing higher traffic, food orders and drink sales at bars and restaurants across the country during the tournament.The financial tech company analyzed millions of transactions between June 11 and June 27 and found that bars and breweries saw an 8 percent revenue increase during the World Cup group stage compared with a baseline period, according to a Tuesday report. Much of that growth came later in the day, with late-night transactions between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. jumping 20.2 percent, the report found.Host cities saw a bigger boost than the national average, with bars and breweries in several match markets posting strong gains during the group stage. The biggest increases in transaction volume were in Boston (28 percent), Philadelphia (23 percent), Seattle (21.8 percent), and the New York/New Jersey area (18.5 percent), according to the data.Boston pubs made headlines in mid-June after more than 20,000 members of the Tartan Army flooded the city for Scotland’s two group stage matches. The driving surge in demand left some bars reporting beer shortages as the visiting soccer enthusiasts packed local establishments and also took in attractions like Fenway Park during their stay.“We’ve been here for over 30 years, and we’ve never seen anything like it,” Noelle Somers, chief operating officer at Hennessy’s Bar in central Boston, told the Boston Globe on June 15.Bars and breweries in World Cup host cities, led by Boston and Philadelphia, outperformed the national average, according to the data (PA)While beer remains a staple for many matchday gatherings, the biggest surprise was the growing popularity of non-alcoholic beverages. Mocktails and other alcohol-free drinks outpaced beer in sales growth during the group stage, with soda sales also increasing, Square found. Overall food orders rose 13.6 percent, with burgers leading the way at an 11.6 percent increase. Ranch dressing, which has gone viral as international fans discover it for the first time while in the U.S., also saw a boost in popularity, climbing 11.5 percent. Restaurants outside the bar and brewery category also benefited, though to a lesser extent. Full-service restaurants saw transactions increase 3.5 percent during the group stage, while quick-service restaurants recorded a 3.1 percent lift, indicating the tournament is giving much of the industry a boost.Many restaurant chains have leaned into the World Cup with limited-time promotions aimed at attracting fans. Buffalo Wild Wings introduced a $19.99 "Pick Six" Match Day Deal, which includes two entrees, two sides and two soft drinks, along with a Matchday Menu featuring new dipping sauces inspired by regions participating in the tournament. Taco Bell has also embraced the event with a World Cup-themed marketing campaign that includes opportunities for customers to earn "emotional support tacos" through the brand's app.