With La Mirada housing 100 companies and Biola as its largest consumer, students hold a significant impact on local businesses, ultimately resulting in the success of La Mirada’s economy.
In addition to being a significant consumer, Biola also holds the title as the largest employer of La Mirada with an estimated 1500 faculty, said Dustin Dahl, executive director of La Mirada Chamber of Commerce.
BIOLA CREATES BUSINESS POTENTIAL
Several businesses look at La Mirada with Biola in mind when considering the area as a possible source of revenue. The promise of over 6,000 enrolled students directs business marketing towards such an audience.
“I definitely think that when you look at retail businesses, having a college in town is a plus. We do market that when we go out places,” said Alison Moore, La Mirada community development manager.
La Mirada approved several new businesses, including Waba Grill and Jersey Mike’s, set to open to the public on Oct. 8. In addition, the new Starbucks opened Aug. 28, largely to better accommodate students’ needs, according to Dahl.
“That whole Starbucks move was specifically Biola driven. They increased their size so students could come in,” Dahl said.
BUSINESSES RECOGNIZE IMPACT
The businesses that remain in La Mirada for a length of time experience the impact of students first-hand.
“They definitely bring in a lot of business when Biola is in session. We see a big drop in sales during the summer time and whenever they’re off for winter break,” said Kristen Sanford, manager of Panera Bread.
That monetary difference consists of a $5,000 to $8,000 revenue drop weekly, according to Sanford. Tom’s Tailgate is also aware of Biola’s effect on their business.
“You can tell the difference when the students are here. We’d say, ‘It’s pretty busy today.’ My workers would say, ‘Yeah, all the students are coming back,’” said Tom Rodriguez, general manager of Tom’s Tailgate.
Tom’s Tailgate experiences a drop in revenue of a couple of hundred of dollars during Christmas and summer break, according to Rodriguez.
However, not all businesses experience drastic changes like Panera Bread and Tom’s Tailgate. Small businesses, such as Sugar and Spice Bakery, have not had as large of an impact from student consumers. While the original owners held a relationship with Biola students, that relationship faded when the business changed owners.
FUTURE POTENTIAL REMAINS
Several bonds have already formed between Biola and a majority of local businesses, but there remains room for this relationship to grow, according to Jack Miranda, chamber of commerce member.
“For Biola being as big as it is, I don’t think we as a business community have maximized the potential. And I don’t think Biola has maximized what they do provide, which is muscles and numbers,” Miranda said.
