After a combined period of six semesters, a decrease in business led to the closure of Riverfront Center eateries Mother India and Leatherby’s Family Creamery, said Matt Altier, executive director of University Enterprises Inc.

“Both vendors did not make enough revenue to keep their units open in the Riverfront,” Altier said.

Although the eateries closed before the fall semester began, Altier said both were liked by students and UEI.

“We liked both and tried to help them in marketing and product suggestions…(We tried) to keep them up and running,” he said.

With two spaces open, UEI employees are uncertain what will fill the void.

Danielle Santiago, a graduate student, said she has no preference when it comes to choosing new eateries or restaurants for the Riverfront Center.

“Just make it affordable,” she said.

Santiago said she had recently spent $8 on nothing but a burrito and a bottled water. She said $8 was too much for her liking.

Brandon Lucas, a freshman kinesiology major, likes the Riverfront Center the way it is now.

“Honestly, I don’t see any need for something new,” Lucas said. “I’ve yet to try all the places here.”

Altier said a number of outside and on-campus food vendors and restaurants have shown interest in the two locations.

“We are evaluating several (vendors) right now…we may or may not have any ready for the spring semester,” he said.

Altier said the process of acquiring new food vendors can be a lengthy one. He said renovations may be needed for certain food vendors. Additionally, contract negotiations and the gathering of insurance information could also contribute to a longer process.

He said the closures may have occurred because of campus down time during Winter Break and summer.

“That is sometimes too much down time for some to stay in operation,” he said.

Although some have speculated the closures stemmed from the relocation of the bookstore, Mills said the relocation had no effect.

Altier said the remaining eateries at the Riverfront Center haven’t reported a loss of customers since the bookstore relocated.

David Levy, director of Marketing Services, said other eateries in the Riverfront won’t know their total amount of revenue until December, after the fall semester ends.

Jose Martinez can be reached at [email protected].