Despite a struggling economy and much of DeKalb’s population leaving for summer break, local restaurants have a plan to stay afloat.

“DeKalb is pretty unique,” said Terry Moffit, director of operations for DeKalb’s KFC/Long John Silver’s combo, 1115 W. Lincoln Highway. “They can have quite a few events at the [Convocation] Center for the summer, and that helps make up for the students being gone.”

Moffit said being in the “chicken business” puts that restaurant over the top for the summer, because it’s in the “picnic business” with the summer being a prime time for picnics.

“We rolled out grilled chicken about 15 days ago and it’s going great,” Moffit said. “It will give us the market edge we need over the summer.”

Chris Timaras, general manager of Toppers Pizza, 1015 W. Lincoln Highway Suite B, said that their marketing strategies will give them the edge in the almost student-less market.

“We’re going to try and gear ourselves toward summer camps and we’re definitely going to gear ourselves toward the bar scene,” Timaras said. “Cross promoting – give them coupons or set up something where we give food to them – whoever’s there at the bar.”

Timaras said the summer also provides a time to focus on the community and prepare for the fall, including events like Huskie Bash and Cornfest.

Jeff Dobie, owner of Fatty’s Pub and Grill, 1312 W. Lincoln Highway, said summer school still provides student patrons, but that July is typically one of it’s best months.

“Local folks tend to go out more in the summer when the students are gone,” Dobie said. “I’m a big fan of summer. It’s mellow.”

Dobie said more customers are drawn to the beer garden over the summer, and for what they lose in late-night patrons, they gain in dinner-time customers. He also said he doesn’t expect to cut back on many staff members, except the bouncers at night.

Ron Reeves, general manager of Annie G’s Pie and Pancake Restaurant, 131 N. Annie Glidden Road, said the restaurant’s rewards program, outdoor seating and delivery will help to keep people in the seats.

“I feel that people will come to us for quality of food and the great service we offer,” Reeves said. “We have multiple reasons for people to come to us.”