Businesses Struggling on Dickson Street

By: Blake Hinds

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark.- Six restaurants and bars have closed since December, including the Taco Bell Cantina, Hog Haus, Waffle House and Qdoba.  You’d think small business owners looking to set up shop on Dickson would be worried, but the opportunity outweighs the risks.

“We came down here and we saw the traffic and the youthful vibe that seems like fayetteville brings,” said Rodney Slane. Really, the biggest problem at this point is parking. Until changes are made, that’s the part of Dickson Street that scares local business owners the most.

“It seems like if you don’t know about the free parking before two then, everyone shies away from it they don’t come down here as much,” said Slane.  

Rodney Slane isn’t alone in his fears. I spoke to Carissa Fisher, the general manager of Jimmy John’s, and she says the parking problem also makes it hard for her own employees.  

“I’ve heard it’s high rent on the street, lack of parking cause it’s very difficult for our deliver drivers to find parking,” said Carissa Fisher.  Carissa Fisher said Jimmy John’s employees do all they can to keep customers happy and there business running.

“Well at Jimmy Johns, we like to go out and sample, we like to give out free food to people and just spread the word and give consistent good business,” said Fisher.  At this point, Dickson is home to more than 200 hundred stores. With help from the city and accessible parking, profits could increase.