By JESSA LEWIS
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - After the traditional summer slowdown, businesses along the Cumberland Avenue Strip by the University of Tennessee campus are seeing an instant boom as students head back to classes.
Freshmen move-in day was Saturday. Classes begin on Wednesday.
"I think Saturday was probably a record-breaking day for us. It was probably our busiest day since we opened I think, so it was awesome," explained Firehouse Subs manager Brian Beason.
Several of the businesses 6 News contacted for this story said they couldn't do an interview because they were simply too busy. However, every business we spoke to on the Strip said they're glad to see the uptick in sales.
McDonald's gets between 10 and 15 percent of its business from students, adding up to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
"Especially when there's four bars beyond us and they have to walk back to the dorms and come through here. That's why we open the lobby on the weekends, to try to help the students out who are a little overactive," said McDonald's owner Joe Burger.
Firehouse Subs has to work extra hard to keep sandwich sales up during summer vacation.
"When students leave, we lose probably at least 40% of our business. Students are a big part of our business. You really have to work hard to make it in the summer. Manage your stores good and get out and do catering," Beason explained.
Businesses are also happy to see the students again because of the energy they bring back to the area.
"When students leave, we lose probably at least 40% of our business," said Firehouse Subs manager Brian Beason.
McDonald's gets between 10 and 15 percent of its business from students.
