Gull Card Deemed A Success by Area Merchants

SALISBURY, MD--The recent completion of a two-month pilot program to allow Salisbury State University students to use their Gull Card – the student identification card - to buy pizza, tacos and other goodies off campus has put smiles on the faces of area merchants.

“We have had many students come in and we plan to continue accepting the card,” said Jeff Brown manager of Dagwood’s Cafe. “It appears to have increased our business.”

After a two-month trial period that began in November, eight area businesses have chosen to accept the Gull Card.

As many as five more have expressed interest in joining the program, said Mike Burton, director of SSU Gull Card operations.

Brown and Terri Addlesberger, Nacho Pete’s manager, said the student response for the past several months has been encouraging.

“We have had an above average response,” said Terri Addlesberger, Nacho Pete’s manager who estimates roughly 110 students used the card in December.

Other participating merchants include Arby’s, The Bagel Bakery, Little Tavern Burgers, Lombardi’s Pizza, Papa Johns, and TCBY.

Once merchants purchase the equipment from the University, they may receive the card.  Merchants hope to offer convenience and attract the buying power of the 6,400 students and 1,500 faculty and staff.

The Gull Card began two years ago for students to use on campus including the library, cafeteria, and laundry and snack machines. Burton expects the role of the card to grow. For information the Gull Card call 410-677-5031 or e-mail Burton at rmburton@salisbury.edu