Late Nite sales are low

But service will continue this semester

by Chetan Kapoor

Even though Sammy's Late Nite has been in operation for almost a month this semester, officials think a lack of publicity may be the reason for its poor sales so far.

Sammy's manager Cornelius James said he felt that sales could be improved with "a little more advertising and a little more legwork on [Sammy's] part and letting them know we're here."

Late Nite's Grand Opening, which took place on Monday, was a step in that direction. James said that a lot of students showed up for the opening, and he hoped that it would help increase sales.

Other possible explanations for the low volume of Late Nite sales include competition from the new Pub and a small number of menu items.

"It's possible we're not putting enough variety out there," Marion Hicks, director of Food and Housing, said.

Things seem to be improving according to James. At the beginning of the semester, daily sales averaged $30 to $50. Daily sales have since increased to over $130 a day.

Late Nite is considering expanding the range of food items it offers to include hot dishes.

James hoped the change in weather would have an impact on Late Nite's sales.

"It'll be interesting to see when the weather changes ... how many students will walk off campus to get food," James said.

Students currently have the option of paying for meals with their student IDs. This helped "triple [Late Nite] sales" toward the end of last semester when this option was implemented.

James said that Late Nite was not in danger of closing because of its low sales.

"We'll continue till the students say they don't want it anymore," he said.

Hicks confirmed that Late Nite was not in danger of being shut down this semester.

"I don't see any real problems right now. We'll definitely run all semester and re-evaluate from there," Hicks said.

"We're looking at hanging in there and trying to provide a service to the students."

This item appeared in the News section of the October 6, 1995 issue.

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