Willow Creek is a local shop that specializes in herbs and specialty teas. Their selection includes more than 500 different scents. (Olivia Garcia)

Hey you. Yes, you! Are you a CMU student who values the support of local businesses? Have you visited Downtown Grand Junction?

If you have walked into one of the many stores and shops down on Main Street, purchased an item, casually smiled at the worker and went on your merry way, then you’ve contributed greatly to whether or not a business thrives or dies.

So this brings about one important question: How has the rise in CMU students during the Fall semester impacted the local economy? Four local businesses from Downtown Grand Junction have responded to this query, and their responses were nothing short of comprehensive.

If you are searching for a new favorite brunch spot, Cafe Sol is a restaurant in the local downtown area that offers an indie charm that is too adorable not to walk into. From soups to paninis, this restaurant has everything and has thrived for 13 years. And in that time, the owner, Joel Kuxhausen, has seen everything. He said there was no change in business when school began in August.

“Summer, fall and spring are our busiest times, but the winter is dead. All the college kids split for Christmas, so it’s kind of a ghost town,” Kushausen said.

But this occurs in many restaurants, not just Cafe Sol. The winter months are slow. But what’s wonderful about Cafe Sol is that when one walks in and is greeted by the warm staff and homely style of the restaurant, it’s a perfect place to dine at any time of year.

To many people, putting a brush to a canvas can be daunting. Very daunting. But The Palette teaches all levels of painters how to create beautiful pieces with the simple swipe of a brush.

“The good thing about The Palette is it doesn’t really matter what your skill level is. It’s just a really great place to come and have fun,” said The Palette Staff Member Michelle Pewters. “Usually we pick up a lot [of business] in the winter time, so we’re probably going to see a lot more young fresh faces from the college group then.”

Unlike Cafe Sol, The Palette thrives during the winter. Different types of businesses are affected not only by different groups of people, but also different seasons.

Business continues to grow for The Palette. think each year gets better and better.

We have been really good at adapting with the changes, like in 2020, when we had covid, we came out with the take home kits, which are now really popular,” said Pewters.

Learning to adapt to society and its ever changing world is a part of what makes a successful company, and with the creativity and smiles that The Palette brings, it seems to have no problem blooming with the times.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for… Gelato Junction ICE CREAM! Located right next to The Palette, Gelato Junction offers a variety of baked goods and ice cream to suit anyone’s sweet tooth needs.

When one steps inside, the first thing to catch your eye is the vintage decor. With Frank Sinatra and Dolly Parton on the wall, and the row of vintage cars lining the room, it makes one feel as if they’ve stepped straight into the 1960’s.

Gelato is a big draw for college students.

“I have seen a lot more students coming in, especially during the Thursday Market,” said Gelato Junction Staff Member Kamryn Renfro.

Downtown Grand Junction is known to have a classic, small-town feel that caters to all ages and the prime location also makes a difference for businesses.

“We used to have an old location, and over there, there was not a lot of foot traffic. But I have noticed a difference in business when we moved downtown,” Renfro said.

Sniff sniff. Do you smell that? Willow Creek Herbs and Teas draws people inside through the abundance of pleasant aromas. Open for 10 years and owned by Debora Beck, the shop is an apothecary/art gallery which holds over five-hundred (yes, you heard correct) fresh herbs, teas and spices, as well as stunning local art.

The start of school makes a big impact on Willow Creek.

“Well I always see, when it’s move-in weekend, all the parents bring their kids out here to explore. There’s an uptick then. And once they [students] start figuring out this is a really great place to get stuff- all the spices and teas for much less, and that it’s college friendly for their budgets, they come in more often,” said Beck.

She also addressed an important point: How “locals” are created. It takes time for people, including students, to find the stores that work best for them, but once they do, they become regulars. This is another reason why businesses downtown not only thrive when school starts, but year-round.

“We’re always busy, there’s just different intensities of busy,” said Beck. This point seems to be not only made true to Willow Creek Herbs and Teas, but for all of the other businesses interviewed as well.

So, the big question: students undeniably make an impact on local businesses. All businesses have to adapt to the ebbs and flows of this ever changing economy, including the period of school beginning.

One thing is certain: Many businesses benefit from the rise of college students. And none are affected negatively when classes begin.

So, one day, head downtown and support a local business, because in many ways, with their big smiles and delightful products, they are supporting you.