DeeDee Cate has noticed plenty of new faces at her coffee shop, Daddy Cate’s on Gloucester Street in downtown Brunswick.
Many of those customers, she says, are College of Coastal Georgia students.
“It seems like every day there’s more students,” she said. “So it’s definitely happening. We love having them down here.”
The influx of students from the college – which boasts 440 resident students and an estimated enrollment of 3,000 – is welcomed with open arms by Daddy Cate’s and other businesses in downtown Brunswick.
Students at the college checked into the dormitories Saturday. College classes begin today.
Like Cate, Susan Bates, owner of Tipsy McSway’s on Newcastle Stret in downtown, is glad to see students in her restaurant.
“We have seen some, mostly on open mic night which is Tuesdays and on the weekends,” Bates said. “There are a lot of musicians (at the college).”
Many also frequent trivia nights and other special occasions at the local hot spot. But Bates hopes to see even more. She’s optimistic about a proposal that a shuttle may be established to transport students at the college to and from downtown during key events like First Friday, a monthly block party where restaurants and businesses offer discounts and specials.
She says she appreciates the college encouraging more students to venture to the area.
Bates would also like to see other options.
She hopes that thinking outside of the box will help create more opportunities.
“I’d like to see some housing down here. In Savannah, SCAD has bought and refurbished some old buildings, even gas stations, for student housing. They are really cute and students want to live in them,” she said.
She feels that student life would fit right in with the eclectic downtown vibe.
“It’s a fun and safe place. There’s so many great restaurants, and there’s the art gallery, which also does plays. It’s just really a great spot for everyone, especially college students.” Mathew Hill agrees. The executive director of the Downtown Development Authority is always looking for ways to increase traffic. He can’t wait for the downtown shuttle service to begin Sept. 1.
“Students who may not have transportation or just haven’t explored downtown since their arrival will have an easy opportunity to see what’s downtown,” he said.
“The shops, restaurants and theaters can benefit from a whole new group of potential customers.”
The Brunswick News
LINDSEY ADKISON
File photo, The Brunswick News