How Brenau students’ return affects local businesses

Branker said she has already had several inquiries about jobs from local students for the fall semester. 

“It’s pretty dead when school isn’t in session,” she said. “Students absolutely have an impact on us, especially during the week for our trivia and dueling pianos.”

The business plans to host college nights toward the end of September, which includes student specials on drinks and food. 

Aimee Hoecker, who co-owns Downtown Drafts, said she wants Brenau students to know that “it’s always a safe place for them here.”

In addition to staff members keeping an eye out for their customers, Downtown Drafts is equipped with cameras inside and around its exterior. 

“If I ever hear anybody harassing another person, that’s obviously a serious issue,” Nick Hoecker said. “I’ve been working with the police officers pretty closely to figure out how to make the square safer.”

Branker said 37 Main also takes customer and staff safety seriously, having two security guards on weekends and an off duty police officer at the Rock cafe. 

Aimee Hoecker said since her Downtown Drafts opened in 2014, Brenau has continued to show its support. 

Members of Brenau’s physical therapy and occupational therapy programs hold celebrations at the business and Downtown Drafts provides its services at alumni and homecoming events.

“We do our best to bend over backwards for Brenau. We love them,” Nick Hoecker said. “If they were to disappear it would hurt business.”