Bars battle for thirsty students

By Nicole Resz

The annual bar migration has seemed to make a pit stop at The Hut this year, giving the tiny bar big business during the first few months of school. Though it may be too soon to determine whether The Hut has been claimed as this year's so-called "senior bar," the question remains as to what causes the bar cycle to rotate year on end.

Clearly last year's bar of choice by June was The Claran. With live bands on Wednesday nights and karaoke on Thursdays and Saturdays, The Claran was bringing in business that The Hut and C and J's simply weren't competing with. But since school started up again in September, The Hut has taken over as this year's hot spot.

C and J's continues to maintain a relatively steady stream of business, and remains a regular stop for many students. The stage and dance floor are an attractive commodity during karaoke nights or live band performances, while the student bartenders and bouncers also seem to draw in students.

As for The Claran, employees there are not at all worried about business being slow, and are certain that the slump will be over soon. The fall quarter has been dubbed the slowest months for business by local bar owners as house parties and dorm socials aren't considered passe until early winter quarter.

"It always starts out slow," said Claran bouncer Mike Manselle. "But I know they'll end up back here. They always end up back here."

Where students don't ever seem to end up however is at Blinky's Can't Say, as owner Jennifer Aregger says. She and her husband have owned the bar in Franklin Mall for the past four years, and admit they have never attracted the students the way other bars do.

"We figure the kids like the dark places," said Aregger, as she spoke of her non-student clientele. "We'd like to have the kids, but we just don't. We have fun in here and we just got an entertainment license so we can start having karaoke and live bands," she said.

But as much as Blinky's wants the students to come in, they also are weary of those who are underage trying to come in for a drink.

"Kids can put us out of business," said Aregger. "So please just be 21."

As far as The Bronco is concerned, it's unlikely it will become a candidate for "senior bar" any time soon, and those in charge of the venue have little inclination to earn that title.

"The Bronco is a late night dining facility, it's not just a bar," said Jill Hume, assistant director of Benson Memorial Center and in charge of event planning in The Bronco. "It is a venue that is to be a role model for the responsible consumption of alcohol and a location that students can call a place of their own."

Though Ray Lychak has similar goals for his bar, The Hut has no problem being labeled a senior class favorite. Some speculate that the Senior Night held at The Hut during Senior Week in early October may be the reason for The Hut's current success. Arguably the busiest night The Hut has ever had, some students actually waited in line that night to get into the cramped space that was bursting at the seams.

"That one event sparked it all, I think," said senior Jesse Thompson. "And then everyone just realized it's closer than the other bars off campus. But it's still off campus, which makes it better than The Bronco."

Another senior who asked that his name be withheld, said that this year's class seems to have more ties to The Hut than past classes. Also noting that seniors seem to prefer a more low key setting.

"This year's students are looking for a place to just hang out and in some ways they seem to enjoy the calmer setting there," he said.

As for Lychak, he recognizes that his bar seems to be getting more business than the others are, but his take on why is rather simple.

"I have no idea," he said.