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Small businesses owners on campus said they are surviving - despite a large number of national chains - because of their superior food, service and atmosphere. As TONIC and Johnny Rockets enter a campus flooded with corporate dining, students said they still prefer the services of smaller establishments.
Bui said her business survives because she has confidence in the decency of her price, the quality of her food and the service she provides.
"I strongly believe that when (students) come in to eat, (they) feel homey," Bui said. "Bottom line, I do care."
She remembers all of her customers, and some even by name.
"The Frog is just like my baby. You have to take care of your kids to grow up decent," Bui said.
Students attested to the attention Bui and other small-business owners pay to their customers.
"It's a better atmosphere," said sophomore Nicole Williams. "I love coming back to school and going back to the little places we have here. I can have Wendy's whenever I want at home."
Olivia Del Campo, a sophomore, agreed.
"I feel like you can get a little bit of everything (at the smaller businesses)," Del Campo said. "At J Street, everything is pre-packaged and preset."
One small business in particular is under threat because of the recent campus plan. The building that houses GW Deli on G Street is not included in the Campus Plan. John Ambrogi, owner of the deli, said that he tries not to think about it because talks have not gotten to a serious point yet.
He said he does not want to leave the neighborhood that has kept his family in business since 1945.
"As far as I'm concerned, Foggy Bottom is the best location in the country you can't get much better," Ambrogi said. "I can't imagine leaving."
GW Deli was originally opened by Leo Ambrogi, father of John Ambrogi, and has been family owned and operated since. Ambrogi said he makes money because - like the other small businesses on campus - he has a fair product, a fair price, good service and he knows the clientele and what they want. Ambrogi also added that in his business, the owners are on site.
