The South Limestone Jimmy John’s suddenly closed its doors on Thursday in a way reminiscent of its “freaky fast” motto. 

This Jimmy John’s location has been the ninth eatery in just over a year to close up shop in the South Limestone area, joining Fazoli’s, Street Craves, Smashburger, Freakin’ Unbelievable Burgers, Firehouse Subs, Noodles & Company and Blaze Pizza. 

Paper covered the windows and a lone sheet of paper hung affixed, urging patrons to stop in at other Jimmy John’s locations surrounding campus. 

“The South Limestone location wasn’t getting enough business,” said Jordan Kennedy, shift manager at Jimmy John’s on Euclid Avenue. “They weren’t making enough profit… so they’re just dumping orders to over here and it’s honestly just down the block.”

Cries of unfair competition and low student traffic have been common amongst these closing businesses. The strangle of UK’s grip on its market can be crippling for some of the smaller shops.

READ: Private business hub looks like ‘a ghost town’ as UK competes for customers

While droves of restaurants are boarding up, some local favorites remain open and some even hope to grow. 

“You have your staples that are going to stay here like Pazzo’s, Two Keys and Tin Roof… but pretty much anything you bring in new is probably not going to last very long,” said Pazzo’s manager Jess Lake.  

Despite rumors that it would share the same fate as nearby restaurants that have closed, Pazzo’s is actually seeking to renovate the building it previously shared with Jimmy John’s and expand its seating, according to Lake. 

Pazzo’s management doesn’t yet have a timeframe for the renovations, but said they hope the construction will bring more business.  

“Especially whenever we reopen, I think we’re going to get a lot busier, because it’s going to be a lot more space,” said Lake.