Val Fernandes has owned Funchal Americana - a popular downtown deli in Bridgeport - for eight years.

"During that time, the Bridgeport Islanders have been a huge creator of customers for us - and that's why I'm super concerned about the team possibly leaving Bridgeport," Fernandes said Tuesday.

While the AHL minor-league team has not responded to a request for comment, Mayor Joe Ganim says multiple sources have informed him the team plans to relocate to Canada, despite having a 10-year lease with the city at Total Mortage Arena through 2031.

"What's new today is that the city wants the public to know that the arena will be a success with or without the Islanders - and that we have already received interest from a major player in the music industry, Live Nation, to possibly fill a gap that could be left by the Islanders' departure," Ganim said.

Fernandes says he was grateful to learn about Live Nation possibly coming to Bridgeport if the Islanders go.

"It gives us hope — because we really need the business from people who come to Bridgeport to see the shows," he said at the Arena.