Durham merchants hope Duke graduation ceremonies provide boost in sales

Graduation weekend is one of the busiest weekends for restaurants and stores that surround Triangle universities. While it won’t look normal this year, more people in the area means more business. In 2020, Duke held no in-person spring graduation services.

At COPA restaurant in Downtown Durham, owner Elizabeth Turnbull said normally they have 150 reservations graduation weekend. Because of the pandemic, COPA is down to 60 reservations this year.

Turnbull said they're just grateful for the opportunity.

“I think it’s going to still require a lot of work because many of us are still operating with reduced staff reduced capacity," Turnbull said. "And it’s going to take a lot for everyone but we’re excited. These days we don’t complain about our work, we’re just grateful to have the work, we’re just excited to have people to serve.”

Turnbull said restaurants in Durham call it "the marathon weekend" because normally Duke graduation comes the day before Mother’s Day. This year it’s the week before.

John Legend to give commencement address at Duke

Music star John Legend will give the Duke commencement address on Sunday and receive an honorary degree. Dr. Anthony Fauci will speak at UNC, while Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson will speak at NC State's ceremony.