Nestled between Ratsie’s and the currently closed Santa Fe Cafe lies a new business not likely to attract as many drunk patrons as its neighbors: the local cobbler.

The storefront between these two popular late-night spots has again been filled after months of vacancy by David’s Shoe Repair, which opened last week. The store still smells of a mix of fresh paint and recently teemed leather and looks barren as it awaits the delivery of machines and inventory. Assistant manager Maria Pujols said she expects the store to be fully up and running by the end of the month.

“We can do anything that has to do with shoes,” Pujols said. “Most shoe stores will probably shine your shoes, but most won’t go beyond that.”

Employees said the store will provide a variety of shoe-related services including re-soling, polishing, cleaning, dying and refurbishing. They will also be able to raise and lower high heels and specialize in working with Timberland-brand boots.

“You can just bring things in and let us know what you want,” Pujols said.

The store will also work with leather products — such as purses, belts or boots — and will sell accessories including shoe polish and inserts, shoelaces and even purses.

The shoe repair shop will also offer a key-making service and are looking into offering a student discount.

Following long-time tenant Bikini Splash’s closing in fall 2008, David’s will be the third occupant of the property in less than a year after Barry and Steve’s Clothing Exchange closed within six months of opening in April.

But Pujols remains optimistic and excited in spite of the obstacles of sustaining a business in College Park, which include a transient customer base and extreme seasonal highs and lows.

“You know what, I have a positive attitude,” she said. “I think it will be [successful] because it’s always cheaper to fix your shoes than to buy new ones.”

She also pointed to the lack of competition in the area as a distinct and unique advantage.

But Pujols admits she is not without worry in light of the country’s economic troubles and the seemingly cursed 4448 Knox Road address.

“Who doesn’t [worry]? I guess we do,” Pujols said. “We’re just trying to see if we can make it.” 

This store is David’s Shoe Repairs second location. The first is located in Northeast Washington on 12th Street and has been open for over 20 years.

“We’re just trying to spread our business,” Pujols said. “If we can take advantage of that now, we should just do it.”

But many students are skeptical the shoe repair shop can survive in an area that sees constant upheaval.

“I think that that spot is doomed for failure for anything other than a late-night food place,” senior marketing major Zoe Pagonis said. “I’ve never even gotten my shoe repaired.”

Pagonis described the store as being “as useless as the bikini store” and said the location was best suited for a hot dog stand or small donut shop.

“People would rather spend their money on beer than on shoe repair,” Pagonis said. “I know I’d rather have a burrito at Chipotle than fix my heel.”

Senior finance and accounting double major Jeremy Erdman said he and his fellow business students wear dress shoes fairly often for interviews and presentations but doubted the need for David’s Shoe Repair.

“I would just polish my shoes myself,” Erdman said. “I think some people in the school might stop by there, but I think the frequency of people dressing up at the business school is not going to have enough volume to sustain it.”

But Pujols, who worked prior at the D.C. location, said they’re up for the challenge.

“It’s a risk, believe me,” she said. “But we’re just trying to work hard and do what it takes to make it.”

rhodes@umdbk.com