Campus affects business

Cindy Williams, manager of Franklin’s Steak ‘n Shake restaurant, estimates that Franklin College accounts for 20 percent of her business. That number, she said, skyrockets on weekends.

"Friday and Saturday nights are huge," Williams said. "There’s a high percentage of Franklin College customers, after basketball games especially. The kids come here and hang out. They meet after the games or whatever. It’s positive for them, positive for us and positive for the community."

The college also drives business to local retailers. CVS/Pharmacy stocks its products based on whether Franklin is in session, according to Assistant Manager Debra Davison.

"I couldn’t give you a specific number, but [Franklin College] brings a lot of business," Davison said. "It changes the mix of what I sell more than anything else. During the summer, I don’t sell any Red Bull."

Local businesses return the favor to Franklin College by hiring its students. Williams currently employs two Franklin students at Steak ‘n Shake.

"We’ve got two good people right now, and they are moving right up," Williams said. "To have a job here during college is great. That’s what I did. I paid my way through college serving at a Steak ‘n Shake, and made my way to management."

Davison employed two Franklin students all the way through graduation.

"They worked with me I believe all four years," Davison says. "But they graduated, and I haven’t found anybody good enough to replace them yet."