DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke University continues to hold in-person classes despite other colleges going back to all remote learning.

Nearby business owners on Ninth Street say that's a big help. 

"Business is wonderful. Thank God. We've had full support from students," says Ziad Lobbad, owner of Devil's Pizzeria.

Lobbad says students make up 20 percent of his customers, compared to 40 percent before the pandemic.  

"It's not full capacity, but the ones that are here are very supportive," he adds.

The pizzeria saw a dip in revenue when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit and the state went into lockdown mode. Lobbad says since then, profits have returned even better than before COVID-19. 

"Because we have established a very strong online delivery and takeout business," he says.

Lobbad believes his shop will survive the pandemic.

"We have the community here. They have been supporting us for more than 12 years," he says.