For Moira R. Finicane ’06 and her friends, a Harvard ID card means access to late night snacks at businesses around the Square—often on their parents’ dime.

“I do have some friends who ask for some more book money for their Crimson Cash card and it just kind of turns into pizza money,” she says.

It has almost been a year since Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) has made it possible for students like Finicane to use their “book money” to boost food sales throughout the Square.

Since HUDS extended the Crimson Cash program to five off-campus businesses last July, there have been roughly 27,900 transactions totaling about $178,000 in sales, according to HUDS Director of Finance Raymond R. Cross.

The Crimson Cash Off-Campus Merchants Program now services a total of 12 locations including Pinocchio’s Pizza & Subs, The Wrap, Broadway Market, two nearby Domino’s Pizza locations and—since last week—Johnny’s Luncheonette.

But the program has gotten off to a slower start than expected, according to HUDS Executive Director Ted A. Mayer.

And while some vendors praise Crimson Cash for bringing in new customers, others complain that the start-up costs, transaction fees and time it takes to process sales are too much to bear.

‘HAPPY MARRIAGE’?

Crimson Cash transactions account for about $7,500 to $8,000 in sales each week, and several of the businesses in the program say this translates directly to a boost in profits, according to Cross.

“It’s increasing every day,” says Richard Sabounjian, store manager of Broadway Market at 468 Broadway. “We’re noticing especially in the evening more students and more young faces than before.”

Broadway Market only started accepting Crimson Cash last month, and Sabounjian says sales have been “better than expected” but that it is too soon to have exact figures. He says students coming into the store have told him they appreciate the convenience of being able to swipe their cards.

“It’s great for students and it’s great for businesses,” he says. “It’s what I call a happy marriage.”

Several other businesses estimate that Crimson Cash transactions account for 2 to 5 percent of their total sales. They say they hope this modest amount will increase as the program becomes more established.

“I’d like to see more students use it—more of an awareness with students,” says David P. Champeau, general manager of Bertucci’s at 21 Brattle St.

HUDS officials emphasize that it will take time for students to become familiar with the program.