While most Saint Louis University students were happy to go home for winter break, the Pasta House Co. located on campus could only wish that classes were in session year-round.

According to Tim Kearns, general manager of Pasta House, the restaurant experienced a “significant” loss in sales over the break.

“Lunches were great; alive and well,” Kearns said.

Although lunch sales didn’t change due to local business, Pasta House could feel the loss of students for dinner sales, Kearns said. The only time they saw a real increase in customers was during Billiken basketball games.

Sixty percent of the employees are from SLU, and most of them went home for break, so there wasn’t an excess of employees and no one had to be let go due to slow business, Kearns said.

Due to concerns that summer business would not be sufficient enough with no students on campus, Kearns said they are beginning a marketing plan which includes advertising with nearby locations in Grand Center, including the Black Repertory Theater, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Fox Theatre, Grandel Theater and the Sheldon Concert Hall.

“Thank God, yes!” Kearns exclaimed, explaining that business has gone back to normal this week. The restaurant was busy for the all-you-can-eat pasta nights, Kearns said.

This semester students can look forward to delivery, which has not begun yet because Pasta House is waiting for the golf carts–which will be used to deliver orders–to arrive from their sponsor. The restaurant will post flyers around campus reminding students about delivery as well as offer specials to increase sales.

Pasta House also accommodates large parties and banquets. Special group prices are available for parties up to 175 for breakfast or 75 during dinner hours.

While Pasta House does not currently offer happy-hour specials, other events have been planned for this semester including live music on the patio during the spring.