Whether Iowa State students are looking for a last-minute r‚sum‚ or a late-night study treat, many Ames establishments accommodate their needs by remaining open 24 hours a day.

Doug Foster, general manager of Perkins Restaurant, 325 Duff Ave., said it makes sense for businesses to stay open after hours.

“There is a lot of activity late at night,” he said.

Some students enjoy the opportunity to be a nighthawk.

Jenn Juehring, sophomore in sports management, said it is nice to have the late-night shopping option available.

“There is nothing like going to Wal-Mart after midnight if you are looking for something fun to do,” Juehring said.

John Crawford, general manager of Copyworks, 105 Welch Ave., said Copyworks is open 24 hours a day to better accommodate the needs of its clientele.

“We find it necessary in order to meet the needs of our customers that it is important to be open 24 hours a day,” he said.

The convenience of 24-hour establishments is vital, especially in a college town, said Ron Neslar, assistant store manager of Wal-Mart, 3015 Grand Ave.

“Having a store open 24 hours is going to be more convenient for everyone,” he said.

Neslar also said 24-hour establishments contribute to city growth and create more employment opportunities in Ames.

“A 24-hour store gives the third shift an opportunity to work,” he said.

However, some late-night crowds have caused problems at area establishments.

Perkins Restaurant employs a rental security officer Friday and Saturday nights, Foster said. He said it is common practice for 24-hour restaurants to have night security.

“It’s beneficial to have [a rental officer] there,” he said.

“Sometimes groups get out of hand,” Foster said.

Rental officers have the ability to remove patrons from the restaurant or detain them until the police arrive, he said.

Foster said Perkins has experienced problems with the “bar crowd” in the past.

Vandalism also is an ongoing problem at the restaurant, he said.

Despite the occasional after-hours problem, Neslar said students should expect more 24-hour shopping options in the future.

“It is a wave of the future,” he said.