Located just a few blocks from campus, Snider Plaza offers retail shopping, dining, and even banking. However, most students aren’t aware of some of the smaller businesses the Plaza has in store.

Lone Star Shipping Company provides a myriad of services to its customers. Here, you can ship packages, make copies, take passport photos, get notaries and much more.

Owner Brad Ward also prides himself on connecting personally with his customers.

“i know probably 80% of my customers by name,” Ward said. “You go to a lot of places, like a Fedex, Kinkos, and you don’t get that personal touch like you get here.”

Lone Star Shipping isn’t the only place you’ll find personal service. Plaza Health Foods provides in-person nutrition advice.

“We’re actually here to listen to people’s issues, their health problems and help them find the best product that they can,” Owner and nutritionist Max Fuqua said.

The store was first opened in 1949. Fuqua is a third generation owner. Customers come for vitamins, healthy foods, and frozen yogurt.

Just a block down the street, you’ll find the Professional Black Belt Academy. Classes taught here include basic self-defense, kickboxing and karate.

“i can make anyone feel confident. I can make anyone feel safe,” said Elias Lira, the Academy’s head of instruction. “And we can do it while you’re having fun and being excited about the, the training.”

To learn more about Snider Plaza and all of its storefronts, visit sniderplaza.net