Several new businesses are slated to open at the corner of Seventh Avenue and McDowell Road this fall, but the distance from campus may be too far for many Downtown students.
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt are opening new locations in buildings that are currently undergoing remodeling, said Casey Treadwell, development manager for Vintage Partners, the real-estate developer working on the project.
Reconstruction began in late July and is scheduled for completion in November 2011, Treadwell said. Businesses plan to open beginning in late October.
“It’s always a positive sign for the economy to see businesses opening up in these economic times,” said Dan Klocke, director of planning and economic development for the Downtown Phoenix Partnership.
These openings closely follow recent Five Guys and Yogurtini openings in CityScape, as well as the planned opening of a Chipotle this October in the downtown mixed-use development. Downtown planners doubt that the new businesses’ proximity to CityScape’s already established tenants will have a negative impact on revenue for either branch, however.
“I don’t believe it will have a significant impact at all,” said David Roderique, president of the Downtown Phoenix Partnership. “These restaurants would not be putting in a new location at Seventh if they thought it would hurt CityScape.”
Nevertheless, the location of the new businesses — a mile and a half from the Downtown campus — could be a major deterrent to a high volume of student traffic.
“I don’t foresee a lot of students going to the Seventh and McDowell locations,” Roderique said. “It’s still half a mile from the light-rail station to the businesses, and CityScape is much more convenient.”
Businesses have not yet determined whether they will accept Maroon and Gold Dollars, Sun Dollars or offer student discounts in order to draw a larger clientele. Some, such as Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, already accept Sun Dollars at their Tempe campus locations. Specific details will be determined as the opening dates approach.
M&G Dollars are currently accepted by on-campus businesses Hsin and Starbucks at Taylor Place as well as a Domino’s Pizza on Central Avenue near Thomas Road. Such incentives — abundant in Tempe but sparse downtown — could prove to be the deciding factor in how many students the businesses attract.
“If they don’t take M&G dollars, then I probably won’t go,” said Allie Conrad, a journalism freshman. “It’s pretty far, and to have to spend the money just isn’t worth it.”
Downtown Phoenix officials are not as concerned with how many students frequent the new businesses, Klocke said, because the two areas target different customer profiles.
“It’s a slightly different market at Seventh and McDowell,” Klocke said. “CityScape is there mainly for the businesses downtown, but Seventh Avenue is more likely to receive commuter and neighborhood traffic.”
A lack of nearby and affordable dining options continues to frustrate many Downtown students, however.
“There’s nothing else close enough because we are such a small campus,” said Alexis Cruz, a criminal justice sophomore. “There’s not enough variety.”
Contact the reporter at chloe.brooks@asu.edu
