Spring Break
Businesses not fazed by UC
Courtney Teague-Carter
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: News
The opening of the new University Center has created competition with local businesses. However, business owners are confident their establishments will remain profitable.
Following the UC renovations, the UC has new restaurants, cafes, a revamped bowling alley, billiards and hosts a variety of events. Coyote Jack's Grill, the Ike Schaffer Commons and Tomato Head Red, new restaurants in the UC, serve a variety of meals.
Even with all the hype surrounding the opening of the UC, some students still prefer to eat off -campus.
"The UC is more convenient if I'm on my way to class," senior Maria Glorioso said. "But I think you get a better deal if you eat off-campus. That's what I prefer."
Beans and the Graham Street Café offer an array of coffees, teas and deli-style sandwiches, putting them directly in competition with the Greenhouse Café and the SweetSpot Coffee Shoppe.
"I have not really noticed a difference in business," said Linda Platner, owner of the SweetSpot Coffee Shoppe. "I believe it is because of our service and our product. We offer high-quality products and our coffee can't be beat."
The UC also serves beer, putting them in competition with the local bars and taverns. Beers at the Down Under sell for between $2.29 and $2.99 before tax, while the cost of beer at local bars is about $2.75. Local bars offer more variety than the UC, which only offers Miller Lite and Leinenkugel Honey Weiss and Creamy Dark.
Another one of the UC's competitors is Hawk Bowl, the popular bowling alley frequented by students.
"I have not really noticed a change," said Hawk Bowl manager Brittany Brooks. "We have a pretty standard amount of customers. And our college league is especially popular right now."
While the UC is closer for many students, Hawk Bowl charges 50 cents less per game. Yet they charge 25 cents more than the UC to rent shoes. Both places also offer pool, with the UC charging $3.50 an hour versus Hawk Bowl's $6 an hour.
Since the UC is still in the early stages of its opening, students are still deciding upon which businesses they prefer.
"I say check them both out and see what you like," Brooks said. "It's really up to the customer."
Following the UC renovations, the UC has new restaurants, cafes, a revamped bowling alley, billiards and hosts a variety of events. Coyote Jack's Grill, the Ike Schaffer Commons and Tomato Head Red, new restaurants in the UC, serve a variety of meals.
Even with all the hype surrounding the opening of the UC, some students still prefer to eat off -campus.
"The UC is more convenient if I'm on my way to class," senior Maria Glorioso said. "But I think you get a better deal if you eat off-campus. That's what I prefer."
Beans and the Graham Street Café offer an array of coffees, teas and deli-style sandwiches, putting them directly in competition with the Greenhouse Café and the SweetSpot Coffee Shoppe.
"I have not really noticed a difference in business," said Linda Platner, owner of the SweetSpot Coffee Shoppe. "I believe it is because of our service and our product. We offer high-quality products and our coffee can't be beat."
The UC also serves beer, putting them in competition with the local bars and taverns. Beers at the Down Under sell for between $2.29 and $2.99 before tax, while the cost of beer at local bars is about $2.75. Local bars offer more variety than the UC, which only offers Miller Lite and Leinenkugel Honey Weiss and Creamy Dark.
Another one of the UC's competitors is Hawk Bowl, the popular bowling alley frequented by students.
"I have not really noticed a change," said Hawk Bowl manager Brittany Brooks. "We have a pretty standard amount of customers. And our college league is especially popular right now."
While the UC is closer for many students, Hawk Bowl charges 50 cents less per game. Yet they charge 25 cents more than the UC to rent shoes. Both places also offer pool, with the UC charging $3.50 an hour versus Hawk Bowl's $6 an hour.
Since the UC is still in the early stages of its opening, students are still deciding upon which businesses they prefer.
"I say check them both out and see what you like," Brooks said. "It's really up to the customer."
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