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Jordan Wilson

Daily Egyptian


With summer around the corner, businesses in Carbondale will have to adjust to life without the majority of their consumers - students.

City Manager Jeff Doherty said he is not fretting about the low student population, saying many businesses in the area are accustomed to compensating for the lack of students.

"Successful businesses know how to market," Doherty said. "If they know they're business relies on students and have been here a while, they know how to adjust."

Doherty said he was not sure which businesses would cease operation during the summer months but there may be a number of them.

James Karayiannis, the general manager of Pinch Penny Pub, said the bar scene is one area that is greatly affected once school is out. He said bars without outdoor beer gardens struggle during the summer because most of the student population is visiting home. Karayiannis said his other bar, Copper Dragon, closes down because business in the city is unpredictable.  

"It's all based on enrollment," Karayiannis said. "It's always hit or miss. I'd like to hope it's going to be busy all summer."

Doherty said many places in Carbondale are equipped to make due without the summer months.

"Some businesses really have to make it on seven months out of the year," Doherty said. "Other businesses in the community have a broader customer base and they may make some adjustments because students aren't here."

Steve Payne, the manager of Quatro's Deep Dish Pan Pizza in Carbondale, said the impact the students have on the market is evident. When they leave, the economy may suffer.

"It's not a rocket scientist statement," Payne said. "It softens up when you take all of the kids out of town."

Karayiannis' situation may be the ideal example of this. He said he has to shut down Copper Dragon, his indoor bar, because of the lack of students. He said this directs more traffic to Pinch Penny Pub. Although slow during the week, he said business on the weekends could turn in to a mini-homecoming of sorts.

Karayiannis said he thinks summer is the ideal time for anyone to truly enjoy Carbondale.

"If you're going to be in Carbondale as a student, summer is the only time to make it," he said. "It's worth it. You have the beer gardens, sunset concerts, the wine trails and Giant City Park. If you aren't here in the summer, you're missing out on 75 percent of what Carbondale has to offer."