Sometimes the chaos that surrounds welcome week can overshadow the changes that occur on campus over the summer. This summer, two new businesses opened in the heart of Campustown — and like new students, they are ready to hit the ground running.

Beach Sun and Spa and Sushi Ichiban — although very different from each other— add a new variety of business to an already diverse campus.

Previously known as Electric Beach Tanning Salon, Beach Sun and Spa celebrated its grand re-opening under a new name on August 1st. After five years at Fourth and Green, owner Kristin Klinker decided to move to a new location at 502 E. John.

Klinker opened Electric Beach Tanning Salon in 2006 after graduating from graduate school at the University.

“When I was in college I wanted a nice place to go (because) typical tanning salons aren’t always that nice,” she said.

Klinker said that the renovation will give students a really nice place to go on campus.

“We were doing very well, we just wanted the opportunity to expand our services and keep the legacy alive and (to) improve on it,” said Karin Mathis, general manager of the new location. “We just about tripled our square footage (and) doubled the amount of beds we have to offer.” 

Along with the expansion, Beach Sun and Spa expanded their services as well. 

“Anything you could possibly need is all in one spot,” said Mathis.

Included in the new services is red light therapy, which stimulates collagen production to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and scars. The salon also provides spray tanning, massages by Shanna Franklin and facials, waxing, eye lash extensions, make-up application and teeth whitening by Krystle Holderfield.

Beach Sun and Spa is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Also open seven days a week is the newest addition in Asian cuisine. Sushi Ichiban, an independent restaurant owned by Jay Dong, opened in May at 619 S. Wright Street, and offers a wide variety of sushi and teriyaki.

Stefan Lo, general employee, described the purpose of this location as a way to cater to college students’ fast-pace lifestyle.

“(If) you (are) hungry for sushi, come over (and) we (will) get it for you,” said Lo.

Sushi Ichiban, meaning “number one sushi” in Japanese, is “inexpensive” and “guaranteed fresh,” according to Lo. He said that foreign students will find their food most comparable to that of their culture.

“Our product is best (and) only one can be the best,” Lo said.

Sushi Ichiban offers carry out, catering, an all-you-can-eat sushi option, and a stamp card that rewards you with a free teriyaki combo after nine purchases. 

Whether they are serving up sushi or pampering their customers, local business owners recognize the importance of finding passion in what they do.

“I love being in business. I love my customers (and) I really strive to make every business that I own a pleasant experience to come into,” said Klinker.