By Keon Edington / Jambar Contributor
Although Youngstown restaurants have gone through recent struggles to attract crowds, the return of Youngstown State University students has improved its sales.
With the fall semester underway, off-campus restaurants such as Avalon Downtown Pizza and Yosteria have seen a surge in sales mostly during YSU sporting events.
The Octave Live Music Café & Event Center, a local business in downtown Youngstown, has yet to see the increase in students according to General Manager Tony McBride.
“The Octave has yet to see an increase with fall semester back in session,” McBride said.
In addition to serving food, the venue offers live music from 7–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
In an effort to attract more Youngstown State students, the Octave plays various types of music that appeals to everyone.
“We like to have all different genres of music so there’s something for everyone,” McBride said. “Some of the music that you can expect to hear at the Octave varies from jazz, blues, R&B, country and a little funk too.”
The Octave also hopes to draw in more YSU paterons, with the addition of student specials, coming in October.
However, the Realty Tower explosion that happened in May was a blow to all downtown establishments as it restricted customers from coming in.
Avalon owner Anne Massullo-Sabella said the rise in customers is seen partially during YSU sporting events.
“[Sporting events] does bring in customers. We are a sponsor of YSU’s Athletic Department,” Sabella said. “Pizza and football are synonyms. That led us into both football and basketball, along with the [Watson and Tressel Training Site] one just kinda played off the other.”
Avalon’s menu includes pizza, pasta, salad and dessert as well as a 10% discount for all YSU students.
Another restaurant located east of the University Courtyard Apartments is Yosteria, which serves regional Italian food and wine for customers over 21.
Alex Zordich, owner of Yosteria, said the restaurant started as a privately owned business but over time grew to become open to the public in 2019, Wednesday through Saturday.
Zordich stated that nearby students shied away from Yosteria because of its private gatherings.
“The students are starting to realize [Yosteria] is theirs too. We definitely embrace them,” Zordich said.
Along with Avalon, Yosteria has seen a customer boost during YSU sporting events.
“We’ve noticed a lot of people coming before or after the game and we love it,” Zordich said.
With Homecoming taking place Oct. 5, all businesses will be open and offering discounts for YSU students.