Jazmyne Pink

BackgroundA group of Public Relations Research students conducted a

focus group study with other classmates. The topic discussed was downtown Statesboro,
Georgia. Based on the transcript recorded from the conversation, team four was able to find that
the desire for more activities downtown was unanimous. It seems as if the city has outgrown this
area as the demand for more stores, affordable restaurants, a nightlife and even parking has
grown. In order to further our observations we will begin looking at the external
environment and any holds it may create as far as regulations, laws, and available opportunities
of the downtown area.
MethodThe focus group took place on Georgia Southern Universitys Campus. The group
gathered in Sanford hall in one of the conference rooms away from distractions. Everyone sat
around a table and was able to freely discuss opinions they had on downtown Statesboro. The
group consisted of seven classmates one of which was the moderator. Of the six being
questioned, each of them attended the University as an upperclassman. All six participants were
females and belonged to majors involving Public Relations. The event took place on January
26th, 2016 starting around two oclock in the afternoon.
The questionnaire included eight questions and nine probing questions. The entire
discussion lasted approximately 40 minutes. The moderator began by asking the participants
where they were from and about their home city, including its downtown area. Upon providing
this information the individuals were able to compare the differences between their downtowns
and the downtown area of Statesboro. They were also questioned on their reasons for going

downtown currently and what would help get them down town more often. All of these interests
were asked to be expressed in detail based on the time it would be most convenient for the
participants to experience the expressed interests. Preference of the time of day, week and even
year were asked in order to maintain an understanding of when the students would be most
available to participate in potential festivities or businesses that could become a part of
downtown in the future. Along with asking about the availability of students, a method of
communication was also discussed in order to understand the best way to inform said activities
to the public, more specifically the student body. Transportation was projected to be an issue to
get the downtown area busier, but was not seen as a major issue by the group itself.
To achieve a higher level of understanding the main demand for the area discussed the
participants were asked to mention specific businesses and occasions that they would enjoy
seeing downtown more often. This question was able to spark many responses by the group
members who were willing to share their ideas and opinions on what types of events could help
this location grow. A layout of the base questions are as follows:
Focus Group B Questionnaire:
1. Where are you from?
a.

How does your downtown area compare to Statesboros?

2. Why do you go to downtown Statesboro?

a.

What businesses do you typically frequent?

3. Do you go downtown more during the day or night?

a.

Elaborate.

4. Do you hear about events happening downtown?

a.

What is the best way to keep you informed? (email, social media, physical

ads, etc.)
5. Is transportation something that inhibits you from spending time downtown?
a.

Would you be more willing to go if transportation was provided?

6. What shops or restaurants would you want to see open up downtown?

a.

How much are you willing to spend?

7. What entertainment events would you be interested in?

a.

What is your price range?

8. When are you most available?

a.

What day of the week are you most available?

b. What time of year is best for you?

ResultsThe study we conducted uses 6 participant that are college students at Georgia Southern
University in Statesboro. The data was conducted through survey style questions through a
moderator. Participants voiced their opinions on why they go downtown, how downtown
Statesboro is perceived, and how it can be improved to appeal to the college.

The results in a study by Merrigan & Huston (2004) were to primary link the claim to the
data. Our claim in our research study is that with the improvement of downtown appealing to
college students the downtown area traffic would increase. Frisby & Booth-Butterfield (2012)
conducted data through various surveys. Their participants used a five item seven point Likerttype scale from one to seven that asked about their marital satisfaction. In our study we use a
similar surveying method as Frisby & Booth-Butterfield (2012), we asked each individual the
same question and with their responses we were able to decipher what most college students like
about downtown now and what they are looking for to be added to the downtown area. Most of
the student were very vocal on wanting a better bar scene and low cost restaurants. They do not
enjoy going downtown as it is now but do go every now and then just because of some of the
restaurants and stores are more high class.
Sahlstein and Dunn (2008) data was conducted through various interviews too. The
couples were recorded on tape to discuss how they manage autonomy-connection dialectic. They
were giving a hypothetical scenario describing tension couples feel and were asked to rate their
level of joint connection in agreement with the statements being made (Sahlstein & Dunn, 2008).
We used very similar strategy as Sahlstein and Dunn (2008) interviews were conducted and
taped in which we used a hypothetical situation as if more restaurants, a bar scene, and shopping
area were added to downtown would them as student be drawn to downtown more. The results
were that they all agreed that if these amenities were added to the area they would attend more.
Also, the student asked for more of the university to drawn them downtown. If the university got
more involved with the City of Statesboro the students will feel more welcomed to join the locals
at local events.

Overall, the research represents students opinions and improvements needed for
downtown Statesboro in a very accurate way. We addressed all the ideas of the study. The data
definitely enhances our credibility. The study was sound the participants were interviewed to
collect our data. The argument was made on what how students feel and what it needed in order
to appeal and draw them downtown. The students gave substantial evidence to back it up.

Implications and LimitationsThe findings represented mean that downtown needs more entertainment, benefits, and
amenities to attract students. Students at Georgia Southern are only likely to stop downtown for a
hole-in-the- wall bite to eat, to go to the post office, go to court, or get a piercing. Although,
participants felt that downtown had a nice foundation to hang out, it lacks the commercial
marketing and diversity trendy feel that most of them are use to from their hometown.
Participates suggested the the City of Statesboro get involved by teaming up with Georgia
Southern University. Georgia Southern could have a marketing/public relations practicum class
that specifically caters to establishing a monthly newsletter to students from downtown about
events, discounts, and news. The class would reach out to organizations and fraternities and get
them to rent out empty venues downtown for events and forums. The George Anne could get
involved by publishing flyers and coupons for the venues and the venues could give away copies
of the George Anne. Participants also suggested that the City of Statesboro hire public relations
interns from Georgia Southern, because they are closely acquainted with the students.
Participants unanimously agreed that since The Plaza and other popular locations around
campus have been put out of business, that they have been in search for new nightlife and unique
experiences. Participants would like to see the development of new bars and sports bars, festivals
to showcase art, music, and clothes, concerts and movies at the park, regular farmers markets, a

skating rink, 21 and up open container events, comedy shows, hookah shops, and some of their
favorite shopping stores and restaurants. The implementation of the majority of these events can
be achieved with open space and ventures.
Participants felt that transportation and parking were also concerns. The City of Statesboro
should invest in a parking garage, and also use the PR interns to develop a transportation
network for students traveling to and from campus.
Overall, the limitations are the due to the unoccupied, abandoned spaces that could be used
to make money and cater to these various events. If the ventures were allowed to rent, then they
could be booked for concerts and conferences. The lack of communication between the students
and the city, could be solved by direct marketing, commercials, and trustworthy spokespeople.
The City of Statesboro needs to make students feel apart of the community, and also host events
for the community.

References
Frisby, B.N., & Booth-Butterfield, M. (2012). The how and why of flirtatious
Communication between marital partners. Communication Quarterly,60, 465-480.
doi:10.1080/01463373.2012.704568
Merrigan, G., & Huston, C.L. (2004). The claim-data-warrant model. Communication
research methods. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning.
Schrodt, P., Soliz, J., Braithwaite, D.O. (2008). A social relations model of everyday talk and
relational satisfaction in stepfamilies. Communication Monographs, 75, 190-217.

Appendix- Transcript
Moderator: Okay, so our first question is we wanted to get where all of you guys are from, well
start here.
Participant 1: Im from New York and I move around a lot.
Moderator: Oh wow, okay so let's pick your favorite.
Participant 1: yeah, New York.
Participant 2: I am also originally from New York City, but I also live currently in Augusta
Georgia.
Participant 3: Savannah
Participant 4: Savannah
Participant 5: Fortson

Participant 6: Macon
Moderator: Oh, me too! Alright starting with you how does your downtown area compare to
Statesboro? Then can you give me something you think is better and if anything give me
something you think is worse.. that you think Statesboro has.
Participant 1: Okay, Im just going to go with the like downtown, downtown. It has a better
shopping areas and
Participant 3: Bars
Participant 1: Yea
Participant 2: If you compare Augusta downtown to Statesboro downtown, Augusta kind of has
like two downtowns, if that makes sense? Its like the downtown with all the areas like they have
bars, clubs, tattoo shops. Um.. you know.. little restaurants like small things, small venues. And a
lot of times they have events, such as First Friday or a Small Business Saturday type thing and
you go down there for things like that. Then the other downtown is places for work and
residential housing.
Moderator: Based on the events one, would you say that there is anything in Statesboro that is
better than that one?
Participant 2: I wouldnt say that, like they have smaller restaurants and stuff, but they dont
make a lot of money because they dont do the types of things like in Augusta. In Augusta you
see things they do like TV commercials and they may be like a family run thing. They may get
the grandkids and nieces and nephews in the commercial. Which, its cute and attractive for some
people, but I dont see that here in Statesboro, on like Georgia Southern commercials.
Moderator: Yea the commercials are kind ofeh.

Participant 3: Well I would say its kind of hard to compare our downtown in Savannah to
downtown Statesboro because, Im sure all of you have been since going here. Savannah attracts
more Georgia Southern students by far than downtown Statesboro. Because of the amount of
shopping and like how they have big corporations down there. Not even just local shops, but like
Urban Outfitters, Free People, and I think there is even a Michael Kors coming and stuff like
that. Also, Downtown Savannah is really big, theres all the squares and then there is City Market
where you can sit or walk around with open containers and there are bands out there sometimes.
The fountain is there, its just a really big hang out spot. Where as theres not even really an area
to hang out in downtown Statesboro. Also, I would say that Statesboro lacks a lot of parking
compared to Savannah. Its hard to park downtown because theres just parallel and stuff, but
there are parking garages and a lot of space to park (in Savannah). Where as with downtown
Statesboro even if you were to go switch it up and go eat somewhere downtown... its like why
would you go do that? Theres not really anywhere to park and you have to walk. Its like almost,
is it worth it? So I think that besides the main attractions in downtown Savannah, I think parking
would be a really big one.
Moderator: What do you think it would take to go downtown more, would it be like the bars
and stuff Savannah has or would it be more of like the shops and the places to hang out?
Participant 3: Um, well I think that I would say honestly the bars more because it would be
hard to get the big bands or things like that down to Statesboro because it's already like so close
to Savannah. The possibility of that happening would be slim. And yes there are bars in
savannah, but if there were bars like that here it would be way easier to pick the bars that are
close than ones in savannah. I think that would really pull a lot of students here.
Participant 4: Well I have the same reaction, were from the same area.

Participant 5: Well my hometown is a lot smaller than Statesboros. So in our downtown we

have the court house, the post office, the tax office, and umm one hair cutting place. So by far,
Statesboro is way better in all areas.
Moderator: Okay.
Participant 6: Okay well since youre from Macon, you kind of know the gist of things and
how they go in Macon. From what I consider, the start of downtown would be Vineville Avenue
and down. Downtown Macon attracts a lot of Middle Georgia areas. A lot of people come for
First Friday from Dublin, Milledgeville, you know small little areas like Jefferson County. Just a
lot of areas because a lot of the smaller citys downtown areas dont have as good of First
Fridays as we do. Like we will have different venues come down and theyll have things from
the farmers market. Different people will come out and they will showcase clothes and different
things that they have all around Macon not just from downtown Macon. The medical center is
down there so its a lot of business instead of Statesboro where a lot of people kind of just go
through downtown, we dont stop in downtown. Where in Macon, a lot of things that people
need to do is downtown, especially because Mercer is downtown. Which is kind of like just how
in Statesboro Georgia Southern is located just near downtown, except Mercer is in the Middle of
downtown Macon and so thats where all of the college students are. So they have a lot of
different restaurants and different activities that they can do downtown.
Moderator: Plus a lot of Mercer students can just walk anywhere they want to go downtown.
Do you think events like Bragg Jam or Bearstock, events like that would do well in Statesboro?
That concept?
Participant Six: Things like that would do well. Yea it would, especially looking at how the
Georgia National Fair used to be down there. So a lot of people used to go through Cherry Street

and things like that to go to the parades and things. I know in Macon thats a big thing. Here in
Statesboro a lot of people dont really go to their parades. Well not from what I see at least
because they dont have too much going on. In Macon all of the bands come out. Every band
comes. Its a really lively thing and its not just about college students. Its about families,
college students, singles that want to go mingle that want to go to the hookah place. You know,
things like that. Just enjoy themselves and in Statesboro they dont really have too many options.
Its kind of like well you are either going to do this or that.
All: Yeah!
Moderator: I know you were saying a lot of people pass through downtown. Why do you think
are the reasons right now people do go downtown statesboro?
Participant 2: Can we keep it in order it just makes common sense
Moderator: if you don't have an answer it's okay for someone to answer before you
Participant 2: why do people go downtown?
Moderator: why do you go downtown as of right now? what reason do you have to go
downtown ever?
Participant 1: mostly to go to the post office. I live in One11 the post office is not there. Um to
get a tattoo or a piercing
Moderator: you go to one's downtown?
Participant 1: yeah um that it. I went to eat one time walked the little trail with the fountain he
was trying to be romantic and I went on a date
Moderator: A date?
Participant 1: trying to be cute
Moderator: something different

Participant 3: I only go downtown to eat

Moderator: what's you favorite restaurant?
Participant 4: gnats
Participant 2: gnats is my favorite thing downtown, bites, and sugar magnolias. yeah Im just
fat.
Moderator: yeah I like sugar magnolia
Participant 3: actually um Ive never woken up and been like oh I wanna go eat or shop
downtown or anything like that. We went to 40 east grill one time because we had a date night
there greek life function
Moderator: yeah do you guys do many functions down there often?
Participant 3: no it was a one time thing it was last year
Moderator: do you have anything?
Participant 5: I got my haircut that's it
Moderator: okay
Participant 6: same thing
Participant 6: like she said I don't really got downtown real unless to eat um Ive been to ellis
meat market and I go to popay, church spirit and truth. Thats pretty much it. Ive been downtown
to go to boutiques but I havent found anything worth buying thats got my interest to go back. I
go to dairy queen.
Participant 5: thrift stores
Participant 2; esquire a hair store but I don't really like it
Participant 6: downtown really is one road
Participant 3: downtown starts at gnats and goes all the way down

Participant 1: there was a club downtown one time called platinum and another one around
called?
Participant 2: Primetime
Moderator: I feel like now with the plaza slacking we could benefit from bars downtown were
as before everyone just went to the plaza
All: yeah
Moderator: no one would go because downtown before because older locals would be down
there
Moderator: Ok so, judging off of that most of the things you guys go downtown for, would you
agree are more like more typically in the daytime as opposed to nighttime?
Participant 1: Theres nothing to do at nighttime
All: Yeah
Participant 2: Everything closes at like seven.
Participant 3: Six, seven yeah.
Moderator: So, other than bars can you think of anything else that would get you guys
downtown at night?
Participant 1: Concert at the park at night, maybe get a big screen and have a movie showing,
theres a lot of different things. I think, you could get a no name fun, no name band or a very
low
Participant 2: They should do a parade. Do they have parades down there?
Participant 3: The biggest thing about it if it like, I know like me Im always up for like good
music like I would go somewhere if we could just like sit in the park and like you just bring a six
pack and lets just listen.

All: Yes!; Me too!

Participant 3: That would be so fun, like it wouldnt cost anything like whatever but like,
theres
Participant 4: Nothing.
Participant 3: Nothing, and they never even if there was like that guy was saying all this
other stuff about how no one ever sees it anywhere its never really advertised.
Participant 4: Even if they um like, in my opinion, even if they move some of the, because I
know Statesboro has plenty of little uh nail salons and spas and things like that they have like a
few like two or three next to each other. If yall move some of that stuff downtown Im going
down there because like, you know, like, I heard, I dont know if this is downtown or not I dont
think so. I heard theres a new nail salon here that serves wine you know and everything doesnt
have to be [indistinct]
All: [laughter]
Participant 2: But like, it doesnt even have to be about getting turnt up its just something
relaxing or even something like a massage therapy thing
Participant 5: Well wherever the alcohol is college students will go
All: Yeah, yeah.
All: [indistinct talking]
Participant 6: But its true, its completely true, and locals locals like to drink too.
All: [laughter] Yeah
Participant 3: And I think about like, um, like for example, we do Greek Stre-, um Greek, what
is that Greek Stre-
All: Oh, Trick or Treat on Greek Street

Participant 3: Yes, and its like, like, all the sororities and fraternities like we dress up for like
little kids and we just like have like, like a table set up we do like kids faces and stuff. And so
many locals come out, so many kids come out, like its a very like community thing like the
people that Ive never, I didnt even know what like, that people really live in this town they all
come and like, go up and down the street. Which like, thats something really random for them to
do, so imagine if there were stuff to do like downtown, it would bring in a lot of people.
Participant 6: Um, something I dont know, you know in Macon we have like a skating rink and
things like that there are so many abandoned little places down there they could make like a little
sky zone or like a little skating rink they could have a lot of things down there that they just I
guess,
Participant 2: If they had a skating rink I would go [laughter].
Participant 5: People dont know.
Participant 6: Yea people dont, people dont know whats down there because they dont go.
Participant 3: Exactly.
Participant 6: They dont know how many abandoned little places that there are that, you know,
people our age, like our parents could invest in things like that say you know Im not saying my
mama has a whole bunch of money to do it but I know peoples parents who like to just invest in
things and you know just try to make something better. And there are plenty of places downtown
where they can do that.
Moderator: Right, right, theres already the building they just gotta put a place. Do you guys
think, okay so youve said concerts, um someone kinda mentioned a movie, maybe like a drive
in kinda thing. Um, what about like a comedy club?
Participant 3: Yes definitely.

Participant 1: Actually there is a comedy club down there I went to one. [indistinct] I went to a
comedy show, and my friend was in it. And it was just in a, just a little building.
Moderator: Just a random venue?
Participant 1: Yeah I guess they were just hosting it there but it was a comedy show.
Participant 3: But see a lot of those things want students to think to have ideas like they have to
plan it out if they already like you know like make it a little you know rental place even cause,
they have you know the bigger sororities and fraternities a lot of the time they have issues
finding, you know, venues that are big enough to hold everybody because and everybody doesnt
always want to have things on campus. So if you took something like that and make it a place
where students can rent it out to have forums and conferences you know that brings student life
downtown even if its more during the day time you know like we said instead of night time. And
then you know at night time you could bring it out for a gathering.
Participant 5: Well my thing is even if they do all this stuff if they dont tell Georgia Southern
students about it then, like there are already things that we dont know about.
Moderator: Right, okay so that is one of our, sorry go ahead
Participant 6: And its like, although Statesboro is kinda small, I went to East Georgia in
Swainsboro, and thats even smaller. And a lot of times because there was nothing to do in
Swainsboro we came to Statesboro to do things. So if Statesboro had more options then it would
attract more people from like, Emanuel County, Vidalia, like little places like that so they could
come here instead of always having to go to Savannah to find something to do.
Moderator: Right, we could be, like one of the Savannah areas. Um, what do you think would
be the best method to get people to hear about the events going on? Like especially students, I
mean do you think

Participant 3: First of all, he was talking about these PR interns, who are they where are they
from? Because if theyre from campus theyre doing a hor- not doing their job.
All: Yeah..
Participant 3: The fact that he doesnt keep social media up to date, thats stupid.
All: Yes, social media [indistinct]
Moderator: So you guys think social media is like the number one?
Participant 3: If he would just pay like, someone literally probably like, I dont know like five
dollars a retweet. I know a lot of people that would like, like are on Twitter that go and try and
follow me you know like that kinda stuff. Or people that like, people that go to school, like you
cant just put a tweet out there because no one will ever see it. He has to get students somehow,
like thats what I was thinking about with social media he has to somehow have like, like I dont
know maybe like paid promoters like people to go out to the Rotunda like two hours, two days a
week. And like pass out fliers..
Participant 6: Cause Wednesdays the Rotunda be turnt, like people out there trying to give you
free food free everything just to find out about
All: [indistinct]
Moderator: They could have their own student group come.
All: Yeah!
Participant 3: Even if they like, Gnats is a place that we can all agree we go to regularly and
thats downtown. They can retweet, if Gnats landing could retweet all the stuff thats going on
downtown
Moderator: Partnerships, yeah.
Participant 3: Gnats could definitely, because theyre all.

Participant 4: Because I, like I follow them on their Instagram.

Participant 2: I follow them too like karaoke night, stuff like that.
Participant 3: Because theyll be like oh weve got two dollar this until whenever.
Participant 2: Yeah, I follow them for specials. But um oh shoot I lost it
All: [light laughter]
Moderator: Talking about, communicating the events going on downtown.
Participant 2: Oh, um, they could ask Georgia Southern could they put something, and I know
everyone gets like the little newsletters from like MyOpportunities, things like that. We get it
almost every week and it tells us exactly whats going on. Like they could always advertise, Im
not sure, Im pretty sure it doesnt cost a lot, but they could always, advertise you know like give
us something in our newsletters and our George Anne just little fliers and things like that and if
thats a problem they could always see could they get a few students to make an organization that
deals with them.
Stopped around 18 minutes and 27 seconds
Minutes 18- 26
Participant 1: But they could always advertise in the George Anne, or make an organization
Participant 2: That was my other thing. There should be a target audience. You cant target the
whole university
Participant 3: I think we could do fliers. I think its a good idea to make a new group. Everyone
is already in so many different organizations and there needs to be one focus.
Participant 3: I would even make it an assignment for an intro class. Get those new students out
there promoting
Moderator: Is the price range too high? Do we need cheaper shops?

Participant 2: I dont think we need to add shops. Theres no need if no one's coming to the
current ones. Maybe something cheaper would be nice though.
Participant 3: Like at gnats if I go from 2-8 I spend $50. People are spending that at Gnats
already because the prices are reasonable and you feel better buying more. That wouldnt be a
turnoff like other places with high prices downtown.
Moderator: As opposed to 40 East where the prices are intimidating
Participant 3: I feel like 40 East is geared towards locals and adults
Participant 2: Like also the boutiques are too expensive but cute. But I am in college and I only
get one refund a semester. I cant spend all that money in one place.
Participant 1: Splash in the Boro is part of Downtown right?
Participant 3: No I dont think so. Its way out there
Participant 2: I know what you mean we seen that flyer.
Participant 1: Well they do have events. I know in the summer, Ive never been, but they have
deals for GSU students.
Participant 2: They do this thing where they get in free. Its good tourism. Thats the kind of
stuff downtown needs.
Participant 3: When I was little my mom would take me
Moderator: So family stuff is something to consider. Do you think theres a time of year that
they need more things out there?
Participant 3: I think the fall. Because of football seasons theres no room for anyone. It would
be nice to have something downtown
Participant 1: For us, minority wise, it would be nice to have something other than midtown.
Moderator: Is that downtown?
Participant 2: Yeah its a club. It used to not be college
Moderator: Ok so we need to focus on the fall?

Participant 2: Well and Spring

Participant 3: I think fall is more of a time. New freshman, and everyones excited during
football season
Participant 2: I just think wherever you go people are stepping on each other. I think we need
another gym with like a Jacuzzi or something.
Participant 1: They could put a new frozen yogurt downtown.
Participant 3: Yeah thats an idea. I hate where everything is now near Walmart.
Moderator: What day of the week do you think is slacking?
Participant 1: Thursdays.
Participant 2: I feel like Thursday starts a lot of peoples weekends. Majority of people start
going out on Thursday.
Participant 3: Sundays and Mondays are covered.
Participant 4: I think Gatas has specials on Thursdays.
Participant 5: I feel like all of the wing spots are Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Participant 6: Majority of the people are going out Thursdays, especially the freshmen. People
seem to take a break from drinking on Fridays, and start back up on Saturdays.
Moderator: Do you think transportation for getting downtown is an issue?
Participant 1: Why cant the busses go down there?
Participant 2: I dont know really if its a big issue, compared to the other issues that are
happening right now.
Participant 3: It wouldnt be such an issue if there was parking. I think thats just the problem.
Participant 4: For drinking we have uber, so transportation really isnt an issue. They really
helped the Boro out.
Participant 5: They do need some kind of sign, or a map that can tell me where to park.

Participant 6: They need a parking garage. There are lots galore downtown, they could easily
build a garage.
Participant 3: You constantly feel like youre going to get towed or get a ticket if you park
downtown.
Participant 1: That whole plaza was closed until school started
Participant 2: Honestly the best thing for downtown was the plaza until that whole thing
happened. Like, theres nothing really there. Theres two bars. If there was a better offer in a
downtown bar, I know we would probably go.
Participant 3: Right now would be the best time to open a bar.
Participant 4: Yea, Its a lot of things going on with the plaza, and its sad that it had to happen
that way but I think within the next six months to a year, there will be no plaza. Freshmen will be
transferring to UGA.
All: laughter
Participant 5: Its sad though.
Participant 6: It is sad because people come to college for the freedom and the turn up. Like,
you gotta admit it. Especially freshmen, before you get your life together all you wanna do is
drink and thats where they did it at but you cant even do it no more so its just like
Participant 3: Statesboro has been a dry county for a long time. My uncle went to school here in
the 80s.
All: Really?
Participant 5: Its been dry its been dry for the longest.
Participant 2: They need to advertise like the empty slots and venues.
Participant 6: Yeah.
Participant 5: Yeah, take advantage of it.
Participant 3: I know like, my best friend, her step dad really was thinking about forreal
investing in like reopening something in place of Rudys, but it was kinda like whenever he
started like, sitting down with the liability its so much liability in that plaza, and theres so

much that could happen if you ever went to sign for that, and thats why I dont think people
no ones gonna wanna come and buy it because theres so much lying in that.
Participant 2: and the fact thats its on campus, it would be worse.
Participant 1: yeah
Participant 3: Honestly opening it downtown would be so easy because theres no liability
there, and if something happened like that it would be so much easier if someone wanted to
invest and open a bar in Statesboro, to get people downtown and not have all the liability and all
that stuff sitting on you.
Participant 2: Especially because its right next to the dorms literally.
Participant 3: Even if like there was a bar that opened downtown and they were like really strict
where you had to basically be 21 to get in, it would still get like every 21 year old.
All: Yea!
Participant 1: We need something for people our age
Participant 5: Yeah, everybody who is old enough is gonna get tired of all the freshmen being
there and it being overfull.
Participant 2: So I feel like they should reach out to people. Like put ads like empty
building like for sale, for rent or whatever.
Moderator: Yeah, advertising to get people there in the first place.
Participant 2:Yeah, maybe they dont know theres empty places there and its a good place.
Participant 6: yeah
Participant 1: cause its crazy how like, even with Shenanigans, like they just came, and you
know as soon as they came everybody would start going there because everybody wants
somewhere new to go, so if they move something down there, trust me they gone
Moderator: Oh yea, people would go for sure. Especially if it was like a sports bar or something
and you didnt have to worry about the 50/50 issue so much like Gnats. Gnats is perfect because
they sell enough food but theyre a bar because they stay open late and they serve late. We
definitely need more places like that.

Participant 3: And theres I know tons of servers at Gnats. Like the Wednesday nights at
Gnats just tons of things thatll actually bring people to Gnats.
Participant 6: And we get 10% off our coupons well I got my coupon book so I know they
give 10%
Participant 2: I love my coupon book, I went to Subway the other day and bought 2 six inches
for 6 dollars.
Moderator: Is there anything else you guys would like to add on? As far as in something I
didnt cover but you been thinking about that you want to put out there about downtown?
Participant 1: You really just have to stress social media to them, because I dont know nothing
about downtown. If it doesnt happen on campus or that little plaza with the T.J. Maxx then I
dont be hearing about it.
All: Yea
Participant 2: Definitely like festivals and a trunk show. You can have all the boutiques bring a
rack of clothes out and have a open street and have people out there with their samples from their
restaurants. It can be a beer tasting festival and a concert at night.
Participant 1: wine and cheese
Participant 3: Just showing a movie and bring a six pack.
Participant 4: Yea, there is a little theatre down there. That theatre can be rented out. Because
the day that we went down there to the business innovation center, or whatever, I saw a teacher
and she was taking her class there. The little kids were leaving and I guess they went in and saw
a little movie, just like on Fridays when we can go to the ballroom and watch movies. We go in
there for free and all we do is buy concessions. They could do things like that downtown. Show
newer movies to get more college students down there after the movies have left the theatres.

Moderator: So, make the events free and have people selling food and different things down
there that people would pay for. .
Participant 2: yes, like tents.
Participant 3: Basically we just need somebody in charge. They say they have food festivals
down here, but who goes?

Participant 2: It's almost like they don't want students down there, because they ask questions to
the media like Do you get in touch with Georgia Southern? and they are all like no, not
really.
Participant 1: Yeah, he said its hard to get in contact with Georgia Southern.
Participant 2: No, its not.
Participant 1: This is a public freaking institution. If someone can walk around with a bear face
and shut down the whole dang school then he can walk on campus.
Participant 3: I think it's more of a thing about when people get older they have a fear of young
people.
Participant 2: I think they feel like we're gonna trash it
Participant 1: But its nothing to mess up its nothing down there.
All: Exactly
Participant 3:I would love to know what his interns are doing.
Participant 2: Me too.
Participant 1: And how much they get paid. I want to know.
Participant 6: My thing is though, why would you be scared of us going downtown and trashing
it? Im pretty sure that he got kids. Im pretty sure that yo kids go to Savannah and trash
Savannah during St. Patrick's Day.
Participant 1:You know Statesboro they want to keep it all family oriented. Which you can still
do.
Participant 5:Yeah, but the adults want to drink too. You dont hit an age and say I dont want to
drink anymore.
Participant 3: When my mom came down here a few weeks ago I told her we can go here or we
can go there. She said she wants to go to Gnats. I told her Gnats was a college place, but its
during the day so it might be a few college students there, but it's not going to be a bunch. Low
and behold, we went and it was a whole bunch of people there, but it was families too. and my
mom was like its cool people are behaving. Its not like college students drunk, throwing stuff
around, being loud.