Local Sandbar draws college crowd with specials

College students are very important to her places of business Peach Madl said.

Madl, owner of The Sandbar in Lawrence and Ottawa, and the new Sub Shop said that she sees many students in both her bar and eatery.

"The university is very important to our economy," Madl said. "We love OU."

Along with students as customers, Madl has hired students as well.

OU junior Jake Carter worked at The Sandbar last spring.

"It's a nice place to work; everyone's really friendly," Carter said. "And how can you pass up working in the bar setting? There's business to it, but still really fun."

Madl said that not many college students apply for jobs with her company but she'd like to see more.

"We loved Jake," Madl said. "We miss him and would like to have a student or two work with us."

Carter said that having a college student work for The Sandbar would be beneficial both for the campus as well as the business.

"Having a college kid work there helps spread the word," Carter said. "College kids draw other ones in."

Specials like the ‘shark attack' and ‘indoor hurricane' Madl offers have also helped draw in more of a campus crowd. Madl said that her places minimizes the processed food, making the meals a ‘good for you treat'.

Junior Mike McManemin looks to prices when he's headed to get a drink.

"I usually go to The Sandbar because it's one of the better places for prices and atmosphere in Ottawa," McManemin said.

When he was working, Carter said he made it his personal job to get the word out to the college kid about specials at the bar.

"Kids are looking to unwind, so I'd tell them about the cheap drinks at the Sandbar," Carter said. "People also ask if I'm working, so I know peers pull in college business."

Despite the word of mouth spreading on this local bar, Carter said more can be done.

"There needs to be more college specials," Carter said. "It doesn't matter what the bar offers as long as they get it out there and let people know."

As Madl looks to continue to develop her business through Zarco 66 and other locations, she said she's honored of the compliment in the best of polls.

"The best of poll is the best compliment the staff could get," Madl said. "Good customer service is the backbone of any successful business. Thank you for the compliment."