Seniors’ Lunch Breaks Boost Local Businesses
As the lunch bell rings at West Orange High School, crowds of seniors eagerly head off campus to grab a meal. This policy, introduced in 2020, has not only given students a taste of independence but has also made a noticeable impact on nearby businesses. But what exactly does this mean for local establishments?
The area around West Orange High School has become a lunchtime hotspot, with one of the most popular lunch spots being Fortissimo. However, managing the influx of students isn’t always easy. “They definitely misbehave,” admitted a Fortissimo employee. “But at the end of the day, we try to remember they’re kids.” Despite occasional disruptions, many businesses embrace the increase in customers. Being so close to the high school helps them make more money.
Down the street at Mark and Julie’s ice cream shop, employees are also experiencing the effects of the school’s policy change. “Kids come in frequently, sometimes just to look around, but they often end up making purchases,” shared an employee. “It’s great for business.” Since students gained the option to leave campus for lunch, the shop’s earnings have noticeably increased, making the policy a welcome change for business owners.
Mark and Julie’s has seen significantly higher earnings since the high school reform in 2020. While some businesses occasionally face noise or rowdy behavior challenges, most local owners see the positives outweigh the negatives.
This school policy also benefits the school by reducing lunchroom overcrowding, and creating a more relaxed environment on campus. The relationship between students and local businesses continues to grow, but it is clear that the open-campus lunch policy has positively impacted both sides.
