Local hot spots still faring well

Author: Anna Briggs

The economic downturn is taking its toll on the town of Middlebury, but has been hitting some businesses harder than others. Student spending off-campus has remained strong at some local hot spots, but has come to a relative stand-still at less fortunate locations.

"I'm aware of [the recession] with all the empty shop windows in town as stores close, and it makes me more conscious of what I'm spending money on," says Jennifer Ridder '09.

While trends in particular business sectors have played into the success of some establishments - businesses in food service have had stronger sales than those selling consumer goods - what seems to be the biggest factor in success with the student demographic is a close relationship with the College.

John Melanson, owner of Carol's Hungry Mind Caf