Northwest students leave town, businesses hurt

Maryville is home to 11,000 residents and more than 6,000 college students but when students graduate or go home for the summer it puts a pinch on local businesses. Deno Groumoutis says the students area the backbone of the community. "They bring a lot of people to this town," Groumoutis said. "Whenever Northwest is in session there`s just so much more activities going on they just bring a lot of people to town." Deno`s parents opened A & G Bar and Grill in the 1970`s and not only serve Northwest students but employ many. "At least 95% of our staff is Northwest students, I mean its great to have them," Groumoutis said. "Graduation yesterday we lost at least five to six employees, real good employees, it certainly takes a toll but we are grateful that we have this college here because every day we have applications coming in." Looks, a locally owned fitness center, day spa, tanning salon and coffe shop says what hurts their business isn`t lack of revenue its losing their employees. "They work for us usually they come to work when they are a freshman and they`re there until they`re a senior and the only time we lose them is when they graduate and move on," Charles Bowen, Looks owner, said. Both owners are thankful for the business they recieve from the bearcats. "I think the college students make a great impact in this town," Bowen said. "I think their influx of money and their support in the community and everything else we really appreciate it. We hold them in high regards because they`ve been of great service to us for several years." Even though businesses take a hit, they pull through. "You gotta take the good with the bad, so we`ll survive," Groumoutis said. Residents say when Northwest students go home for summer vacation the town gets quiet. Locally owned restaurants and bars serving Northwest students take the hardest hit but franchises like McDonalds and Taco Johns also see a decline in business.