Campus Corner shops and restaurants are preparing for slower business with a majority of students gone for the summer.
“There is a big difference during the summer,” said Spencer Graham, genereal manager of Fat Sandwich. “For the most part, business just isn’t the same.”
Graham said Fat Sandwich is cutting back on employee hours this season. The store usually hires more workers for the summer, but due to fewer available positions more applicants are being turned away.
“A lot [of applicants] are coming by, and we just have to say ‘sorry, there’s nothing here for you,’” he said.
Despite the slowing of business, Graham explained deliveries are a good source of revenue.
“We still have business from night to night because people are still going out, but deliveries are what keep us afloat,” he said.
Brian Bogert, owner of Seven47, said sales decline about 20 percent in June and July. He explained some beverage and meal prices are significantly reduced to attract people to come in more frequently and more specials will be offered.
“I think the recent economy has had an impact,” Bogert said. “Disposable income is more limited so people begin to cut out the non-necessities like going out to dinner.”
Bogert explained the type of customer he sees on Campus Corner changes with students out of town.
“Summer does have its benefits, however, because more people seem to be willing to get out there on the weeknights,” he said. “Campus Corner sort of has a stigma for being only a college student hang out. [West Norman residents] get more adventurous in the summer and seem to visit our restaurant more frequently. There are more activities and events going on around town in the summer that get people out of the house more often.”
Balfour of Norman owner Jerry Hatter said despite worries about the economy, his business has continued to grow.
“OU is such a football school that as long as there’s excitement about the program and we have good quality products, we seem to do okay,” he said.
All the businesses agreed that nothing competes with OU football, and the next season can’t come soon enough.
“It’s just the light at the end of the tunnel waiting for football season,” Graham said.
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