HACKENSACK - The first World Cup match in New Jersey is less than three weeks away and Mikie Sherrill is convinced excitement is growing.

She noted on Tuesday that just about every youngster plays soccer at one time or another when growing up. It is, of course, an easy game to play. As the governor noted, you just need a ball and some sort of net.

Looking ahead, the governor said that, "The excitement ... is bringing international soccer here to New Jersey so people can see soccer at its highest level on the World Cup stage."  She added that New Jersey is going to be the place "where all eyes are going to be."

It's also going to be the place where visitors spend a lot of money, or so she hopes.

The governor spoke outside The Chapped Cheese, a newly-opened halal street-food restaurant on Main Street. It specializes in the fusion of New York-style chopped cheese sandwiches and South Asian (Pakistani) flavors.

The premise was the unveiling of a digital rewards program that allows customers to earn points by visiting participating small businesses across the state and by attending New Jersey’s World Cup Community Initiative events throughout the tournament. Fans can redeem points for exclusive prizes and experiences while exploring communities across the state leading up to and during the tournament.

There are already about 550 participating businesses and The Chapped Cheese is one of them. The initiative is officially called the Welcome World Rewards Program. Fans can check in at participating local shops, restaurants, and attractions using an interactive platform to earn points and win World Cup tickets and merchandise. You can sign up on the platform to view a directory of participating locations, discover special promotions, and complete digital check-ins to earn points in a digital wallet.

Key to attracting international customers is hyping the wide variety of ethnic restaurants in New Jersey. Which is where The Chapped Cheese comes on.

It is not alone. Local Assemblywoman Ellen Park, who was also on hand today, said that about 16 percent of New Jersey residents are owned by Asian-Americans or Pacific Islanders.

Sherrill spent a few minutes inside the restaurant before talking to reporters amassed outside. She complimented a sandwich she was given, but said she eschewed the French Fries - too early in the day for that.