Oxford’s businesses don’t always succeed, but two local restaurants think they have the answer to staying in business.
Bim Bam Burgers, formerly known as Christy’s, struggled financially until new General Manager Antonio Barragan took over and changed the name this summer.
“We have had over a 45 percent increase in business since August,” Barragan said.
Barragan believes that for a business to survive in Oxford, it must embrace the culture of the university.
The “Bim Bam” in Bim Bam Burgers is a reference to the Ole Miss “Hotty Toddy” cheer.
“In order for a business to survive here around Ole Miss, it helps to be oriented around sports,” Barragan said. “It’s all about sports. I love to stay involved in the community and it really is a sports-loving community.”
Barragan said he also discovered another way to increase business.
“When I saw that Bim Bam Burgers was going to be a hit, I started advertising the delivery aspect,” Barragan said. “And it actually boosted profits by a certain percentage.”
Across town, The Beacon, a well-known restaurant to locals and students alike, takes a different approach.
Tony Mize, owner of the restaurant opened in 1959, said he does not feel a need to try any new techniques to get customers.
“We depend on our good food and good service at a reasonable price,” Mize said. “And if we can do that, we feel the customer will come back.”
Mize said there is a magic number of sorts when it comes to restaurant survival in Oxford.
“If a restaurant can last more than five years, it will make it and become successful,” Mize said.
Sophomore undeclared major Michael Oddo said quality influences where he chooses to dine in Oxford.
“I really like a clean place to eat,” Oddo said. “The food could be phenomenal, but if it isn’t clean, I’m really not likely to return.”
Oddo said to get the college crowd, restaurants have to advertise.
“To have a name of a place constantly in your head for sure makes me likely to go there,” Oddo said. “Places that do really good jobs of advertising always are thought of first when choosing a place to eat.”
— Jordan Wyton
jawyton@go.olemiss.edu
