Au Bon Pain is facing a lack of business during nights and weekends that could potentially lead to a cut back on hours.
Nick Sandilands, general manager of ABP, came to Monday’s meeting of the Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee to garner advice and suggestions on how to increase student traffic during off-peak hours.
“The last two hours—from 10 p.m. to midnight—are just atrocious,” Sandilands said, noting that on average the eatery makes around $50 from 10 to 11 p.m. and just $15 from 11 p.m. to midnight.
ABP is not the only venue that is experiencing this loss of revenue, Sandilands said. Since the closure of the bridge that connects the Bryan Center plaza with the main quadrangle, he believes most businesses in the Bryan Center have suffered. The one exception, he hypothesized, is the Loop because of its unique addition of a late-night bar.
Whereas weekend evenings used to bring in approximately $4,000 of revenue, since the closure of the bridge, totals rarely top $1,500, Sandilands said. He lamented the “quiet” nights and weekends that one now experiences when working at ABP.
ABP does not want to close during these under-populated hours, Sandilands said, but it is definitely an option on the table if the situation does not improve. The national corporation of ABP has grown concerned with the revenue dips during these hours.
Members of DUSDAC responded favorably when Sandilands said he was considering bringing in live musical acts to improve the atmosphere at night. Co-chair Gregory Lahood, a senior, suggested that ABP consider hosting poetry readings on their outdoor patio.
Other members suggested reaching out to selective living groups to incorporate ABP in fundraising efforts.
“I am hesitant to go the fraternity or sorority route because a lot of times that means alcohol,” Sandilands said. “Anything is up for grabs as long as it fits in our company's mission.”
In other ABP locations, specials such as chicken wings on game days have undergone trial runs, but these were largely unsuccessful, Sandilands said, though he noted that there is “some wiggle room” in expanding menu options.
One option for increasing late night business would be to capitalize on Duke’s “sweet tooth,” one member suggested, by offering discount pastries in later hours of the day.
Sandilands explained however, that Duke students rarely opt for pastries, instead favoring the fresh fruit and yogurt options—a sign that he takes to mean students are being educated on the benefits of healthy eating.
Currently, ABP is running a special in which a customer that purchases 10 espresso drinks will receive the 11th for free.
At the conclusion of Sandilands' discussion with the members, DUSDAC began conducting interviews to place new members on the committee.
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