It’s Saturday night on Welch Avenue, and only a few dedicated souls are in sight. Eight fans emerge from Bali Satay House, 2424 Lincoln Way, having been the only patrons of the evening’s concert, as the bar and restaurant closes early. Elsewhere, other businesses are doing the same – closing early because of the lack of business.

Summer has come to Campustown.

With the departure of most ISU students over the summer, much of Campustown’s business volume disappears. Even so, most of the area’s businesses remain open.

“It’s a more relaxed atmosphere – during the school year we’re really busy,” said Izela Gauna, general manager of Jimmy John’s, 135 Welch Ave. “We have a lot of time to clean.”

Many other businesses use the ample downtime to take care of upkeep and maintenance, and to prepare for another school year.

Jimmy John’s is maintaining its normal schedule, remaining open until 3 a.m. every night to capitalize on the post-closing time rush. The restaurant also did not have to cut any staff, other than those student workers who went home.

Copyworks, 105 Welch Ave., is also maintaining its normal schedule, staying open 24 hours Sunday through Thursday.

More commonly, businesses trim back their hours and staff. Even under these circumstances, workers are usually able to enjoy the more laid-back setting.

T Galaxy, 206 Welch Ave., takes this approach, operating under a shortened schedule and with about half their usual staff.

“I like it because it’s gonna get really crazy in August with football season,” said employee Michelle Skinner, senior in English. “It’s nice to have a break.”

A few businesses manage quite nicely over the summer, however.

Dairy Queen, 117 Welch Ave., draws more customers during the summer months because the pleasant weather and the nature of ice cream as a warm-weather food.

“We have a different kind of clientele through the summer,” said Colt Prehm, tattooist at Jaded Angel 2, 2406 Lincoln Way. Prehm explained business doesn’t really slow down because customers usually get larger tattoos done over the summer.

“There’s a more relaxed vibe during the summer,” Prehm said.

Mayhem Collectibles, 2532 Lincoln Way, also does quite well over the summer.

“We get a good crowd,” said owner Rob Josephson. “We’re slower, but not noticeably slower.”

Josephson described a variety of factors contributing to the store’s healthy summer business.

The store attracts a lot of Ames residents, and with the arrival of summer, Ames schools’ students have a great deal of free time.

The comics industry typically launches large events in the summer, and Josephson expects summer films such as “Transformers” and “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” to draw business.

Josephson said even customers who do return home for the summers will still shop at the store.

“There’s a tremendous loyalty here,” he said. “You’d be surprised.”

Claudio Gianello, owner of Caf‚ Beaudelaire, 2504 Lincoln Way, sees the summers as a opportunity to relax and enjoy what Campustown has to offer.

“It slows down; it’s a better scene,” he said. “People who want to come out and taste Campustown do it in the summer.”

Summer events:

Events such as the Special Olympics’ State Summer Games (May 17-19) and the Iowa Games (July 12-15 and 20-22) bring thousands of people to Ames, providing a temporary boost to Campustown businesses.

Restaurants are the businesses most affected by these temporary crowds, but all of Campustown will see a boost.

Gianello said he has been preparing for the rush brought on by the Special Olympics in addition to his routine maintenance work.

Nightlife:

Perhaps the single most cherished aspect of Campustown, the nightlife, doesn’t go away over the summer. It just recedes a bit.

Most of the bars remain open Monday through Saturday, and a few are running summer specials. The reduced student population makes it that much easier to find a seat, and waiting in line should be wholly unnecessary.

There will be no lack of late-night dining, either. The traditional choices of Jimmy John’s, Smiles ‘n’ Gyros, and Flying Burrito will all be available during their normal late-night hours.

Tanning salons:

Even in the summer, indoor tanning salons steadily attract customers.

The main selling point of the salons is the stable environment. In a tanning booth, one is isolated from the surroundings, and the weather doesn’t matter.

“Tanning is kind of a stress reliever, just lying there for twenty minutes a day,” said Sarah Clapper, employee at Sizzlin’ Cabana, 2540 Lincoln Way.

There is, however, a drop in the customer volume, at least at the Campustown location. Clapper said the West Ames location does well throughout the summer due to its steadier customer base.

Closed restaurants:

Maid-Rite, 2416 Lincoln Way, is temporarily closed due to a burst pipe that caused some damage. They expect to reopen soon.

Little Taipei has moved to 2514 Chamberlain St., the former location of Cafe Shi, but has not yet opened. A sign posted at the restaurant states that it will be opening in mid-May; this had been changed from a projected opening in mid-April.

A Little Taipei representative could not be reached for comment.