Roger Hewitt, operator of the Red Hawk restaurant and the now-closed Zanzibar eatery, both on South State Street, will open a sandwich shop and convenience store on the ground floor of the new Zaragon Place student housing high-rise on East University.

Hewitt and business partner Richard Schubach have leased all 1,800 square feet of ground-floor retail space in the apartment building, which has 248 beds.

Hewitt declined to discuss the details of the lease, which he signed in June. He hopes to have the stores, which have not been named yet, open by September.

"I think this is a great location, both for the buildings and the surroundings," he said. "It's right near a lot of university departments, and near East Quad, too."

Zaragon Place, developed by Chicago-based Zaragon is next door to the popular Red Hot Lovers restaurant, which closed last year after thriving for many years at the location.

Another student high rise opening this year, 4Eleven Lofts on East Washington and Division streets - developed by Joseph Freed & Associates- has more than 8,000 square feet of ground floor retail. It has yet to secure a tenant.

At Zaragon, Hewitt said he'll offer mostly carry-out food, and hopes to be able to sell packaged beer and wine out of the convenience store.