A Local Restaurateur’s Look at Influx of Students

Carriage House Cafe, John Thomas Steakhouse and Ten Forward Cafe.  These are just a few of Ithaca’s restaurants forced into early closings by the COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly, Ithaca business owners had to reevaluate as they faced massive losses in revenue; as it is estimated that Cornell students spend around $4 million every week in Ithaca, the loss of this steady income took its toll. Yet as Cornell students begin to interact with the greater Ithaca community once again, how are local restaurateurs reacting to our return? Is it a welcome change to have the students back in town once again, or has our arrival made some Ithaca business owners’ jobs even harder?

Chatty Cathy: Açai You

Prelim season getting you down? Start your morning off with something sweet yet healthy from Chatty Cathy! The charming cafe is located in Collegetown on Eddy Street and specializes in coffee, tea, freshly pressed juices and healthy food bowls. Since it’s opening in March of 2017, students have raved about this juice joint for its health-infused products.