Local restaurants offer Wi-Fi to attract more business

By SAM BRUNELL

Numerous businesses throughout DeKalb offer wireless Internet to those wanting to surf the ‘net in a different setting other than on campus.

Many restaurants and coffee shops are choosing to offer wireless Internet access in hopes of improving business.

One of the newest places to offer Wi-Fi is Shelley’s, 901H Lucinda Ave.

“We had a lot of customers coming in and using their computers during lunch and dinner for other purposes,” said manager Beth Cottrell. “We decided giving them wireless access would be convenient.”

Cottrell said Shelley’s has had Internet access for a while, it has just taken longer to set up the wireless access for customers.

The Junction, 816 W. Lincoln Highway, has been offering wireless access for a few months now.

“There’s been a little more business,” said Chris Bahramis, daytime shift supervisor. “More people are coming in to sit and eat,” Bahramis said, mentioning he sees a mix of students and business clientele using their laptops in the restaurant.

Others, like Caribou Coffee, 2385 Sycamore Road, have had steady wireless clients coming in, all contributing to business.

“A lot of people who come in and use it are regulars,” said manager Amy Blevins. “It gets busier when finals come up.”