There are a few iconic places around Auburn that almost everyone knows about, stores and restaurants that everyone goes to that make this town unique. What most people don't realize is how much the people from Auburn University have helped to shape these landmarks in our community.
A connection to Auburn that many students don't know about involves the restaurant Cock of the Walk. Randy Bartlett, associate professor in industrial design, bought the restaurant 14 years ago with his wife Janet. They will be celebrating the restaurant's 14th anniversary July 1.
Bartlett said that it has sometimes been difficult to manage such a huge responsibility, but he and his wife have set firm boundaries between life at the restaurant and life at home.
"My wife and I made a decision 14 years ago that we would be committed to it and not let it interrupt our personal lives, our marriage or my position at Auburn," Bartlett said.
Despite the difficulties of running a successful business, which have only been emphasized by the many restaurants that have come and gone through the years nearby, Bartlett still enjoys being the owner of Cock of the Walk.
"The best part of it is seeing people that are just excited about being there and having a good time," he said.
Bartlett said he takes his responsibility to his customers very seriously. He said he hopes to make sure that every customer enjoys their experience at Cock of the Walk.
"When the doors open, it's kind of like show time, you're putting on a performance to a certain degree," Bartlett said. "You've got to make sure that your customers are excited and enjoy it from the time they get into the parking lot to the time they leave."
Another Auburn business that prides itself on its customer service is Ellie, a clothing boutique. The whole idea for the store came when Auburn roommates Natalie Gilbert and Kelly Poole decided to create a clothing store that catered to the smaller budgets of college students.
"We wanted to bring affordable clothing to downtown Auburn," said Gilbert.
The owners also do their best to provide a wide variety of clothing for students to choose from. They have even gone so far as to hire Taylor Yates, a fashion design graduate from Auburn, who markets a line called T. Nicole in their store.
"I like the selection," said Emma Brueckner, junior in nutrition and dietetics. "There's a lot of stuff there, but it's limited so that you're not going to get something and 12 other people are going to have it."
Ellie has been open seven years now and has been expanded to include Ellie Shoes and even a store in Tuscaloosa, called Ellie Crimson. Although Gilbert said that it was a bit intimidating starting a new business with no guarantee of success, she is very happy about the way things turned out.
"I love what I do. I love to shop. I love clothes. It's nice to be able to come to work every day and enjoy what you're doing," she said.
These businesses were made by enterprising men and women already involved at Auburn University.
Passing by these businesses may give you a sense of the uniqueness of the Auburn community, but it also has the power to inspire you to make some lasting contribution to the community as well.
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