A staple on AU’s campus is no more. The TIGI salon, a beauty salon that provides over 2,000 haircuts a month, will close at the end of October. AU decided to part ways with the business after TIGI was seven months late to pay its lease. Although we understand AU’s reason for having to let it go, it’s unfortunate to lose one of the few unique businesses on campus.
The salon, which has been operating for 15 years, will likely be replaced by Subway, with the restaurant moving from its corner of Eagle’s Nest across the street. This move is unnecessary and wouldn’t add anything to the dining options on campus. We already have a perfectly good Subway, even if it does get crowded sometimes, and plenty of eateries on campus.
Additionally, AU doesn’t have the best track record for speedy turnovers between stores. When McDonald’s was converted into Starbucks three years ago, it took over a year to reopen. Even beyond that, there is a potential for major health code violations from turning a hair salon into a restaurant.
What the school really needs is something different, something that will bring a brand new service to students that they can’t find anywhere else (at least not with Eagle Bucks). The Eagle staff brainstormed everything from a puppy petting zoo to a student-run consignment shop. If AU feels that they must add a new restaurant for a perceived increase in revenue, why not a D.C. favorite like Steak n’ Egg, instead of another bland fast food chain restaurant?
Hopefully AU will take the opportunity of this unfortunate loss to fill a gap in its on-campus offerings, instead of just looking at the bottom line. -E
