Posted on April 23, 2007
James Madison Square, the new shopping center that recently opened on Port Republic, is already a hit with JMU students.
So far, a Starbucks, Caribbean Tan and Fantastic Sam’s Hair Salon are open, but the shopping center’s owners, Butch Strawderman, Be Tran, and Dain Hammond ensure that there are more to come. Jimmy John’s, which Strawderman says is an “upscale sub shop,” is scheduled to open in about a month.
“Their forte is delivering late-night for college students, which is why many of them are located close to college campuses,” he said.
Junior Meghan Hardgrove expressed her excitement for this new addition.
“They have one up at U.Va,” she said. “I was up there visiting friends one weekend and we ordered subs at 3am.”
Part of its appeal may also be the location of the shopping center.
“It’s on your way into campus, so it’s good if you live in Stonegate or Sunchase especially,” freshman Julie Jones said.
Caribbean Tan received such a positive response from customers that they are adding to the store by connecting it to the only free lot available, right next to their shop. Tutti Gusti, which means “many flavors,” is the name of the Pizzeria and Pub that will open by mid-summer.
“We wanted to put a Dave’s there originally, but we couldn’t work out an agreement,” Strawderman said.
He said he is sure JMU students won’t complain, considering the pizzeria will offer 15 to 20 different toppings to choose from, beer and wine till 11 p.m., and the help of Massimo Coppola, “a 110 percent Italian guy” who formerly worked in the kitchen of Bravo’s and will help run the pizzeria.
Although there are three other Starbucks locations around Harrisonburg, this new location still proves to be popular with students.
Freshman Cristen Cravath enjoys the atmosphere.
“There are big couches and it isn’t too dark inside,” she said. “It’s a nice place to get work done.”
