W ith the addition of a Starbucks to the woefully short stretch of pavement that passes for downtown College Park, the city is one step closer to looking like every other suburban strip — and one step further from the college town city officials and students have longed for.
Outlets of major chains such as Starbucks, Quizno’s, Boston Market and even the holy Chipotle have proliferated throughout the city and its neighbors in the last five years, ushering in a downtown business boom and creating plenty of jobs for college students. But consumers anywhere in the Washington area can’t swing a grande chai latte these days without hitting at least one of these places, and it may not be long before thousands list “barista” somewhere on their resumés.
The business is beneficial, and few can resist the siren song of the burrito, but the exclusive growth of big-name chains jeopardizes the handful of non-riot-related qualities that distinguish College Park from other cities. Adding another Starbucks will do little to achieve a college town atmosphere.
Having a backdrop exclusive to College Park helps make better memories for students seeking ways to annoy their future offspring with tales of the glory days: an all-nighter at College Perk capped by a dripping mass of meat from JD’s Roadhouse might make a more compelling story than haunting the local Starbucks and swinging by McDonald’s. Spend enough time in the chain-compliant décor and the stores will begin to blur from city to city, but there’s nowhere else like the cramped dining room of Marathon Deli or the university-themed posters in Ratsie’s.
A number of other independent businesses have tried and failed in the city — the owner of Playdium.net overestimated his customers’ willingness to leave their homes and pay to play computer games — but the success of independent businesses such as College Perk Coffeehouse and the longevity of eateries such as the Bagel Place proves small, quirky places can thrive with student support.
Business owners and potential investors should take the risk of opening up shop in the city and take advantage of the market college students provide. The city offers guidance to small-business owners through its planning department, providing links on its website to various state and county business loans, subsidies and business bureaus.
If students genuinely want a college-town feel to College Park, it takes more than just complaining about the city. Customers should patronize the businesses that add to the atmosphere they want, and encourage budding entrepreneurs like the trio of recent graduates starting up their own Philly cheesesteak shop. College Park’s transition into a homogenous strip of Starbucks shops, sandwich shops and big-name chain restaurants will add nothing to the struggle for a unique university experience.
