For lunch, you decide to make the trek to a cozy restaurant to pick up a slice of warm cheese pizza. When you enter, the restaurant is jam-packed with chattering high school students ordering food or sitting with their friends.
During lunch and X-block, many different local vendors say it is a trend for students to visit nearby businesses, creating a bond between students and the community. Students can enjoy a break from the hustle of the school, while business owners appreciate the energy, community and economic benefits.
Shops near the school said they tend to benefit greatly from students’ visits. Colleen Suhanosky, manager of Rifrullo, a cafe on Cypress street, said she appreciates the influence students have on her shop.
“I would say [students] are the lifeblood of business, because they’re so youthful and they bring energy into the space,” Suhanosky said. “And the youth always have their hand on the pulse of what’s going on, what’s good, and so I’m really appreciative that they choose to come here and spend their money here.”
In addition to business owners, students said they appreciate the convenience of being close to these businesses. Senior Makena Hammond frequently visits Rifrullo with her friends, usually during lunch, and enjoys the fresh atmosphere.
“It’s fun to get outside and go somewhere. It’s kind of nice to get out of the school environment and be with other people,” Hammond said.
Suhanosky said these businesses’ environments allow student-worker relationships to blossom. Employees often converse with students or occasionally offer free food. Manager of Village Fair, a local pizza shop on Washington Street, Tariq Khan said he loves connecting with students.
“If you want, anytime, you can come. There is no question about it because we are here for you guys. There is no question about it, we love to help you guys,” Khan said.
Businesses use different methods to try to build relationships with students, such as deals or specific menu items. These deals increase their profits from students, who already make up about 20 percent of their customer base, according to Suhanosky. Rifrullo, for example, has a 10 percent off sale for students and Village Fair offers a free two liter soda with an order of two large pizzas.
While businesses put in work to appeal to students, Hammond said that students appreciate the efforts they put in. Hammond believes local businesses are a vital part of building a community.
“I think it’s good to support them because it adds to the community and brightens the community. I think it helps make the town more unique, more like a community,” Hammond said.
Suhanosky echoed that local businesses create a stronger community in Brookline. She said this sense of community is important to her because it helps everyone.
“I think the more you support and get relationships with people who are in your local neighborhood, it just creates a safe, healthy environment for just everyone and especially yourself,” Suhanosky said. “I think it’s really, really important to create that kind of happiness and to feel like we all can play a role in making that happen.”
