LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – A Lexington restaurant owner says business is down 50 percent for the month of November due to the double crossover diamond construction project on Leestown Road.
Hernan Leon, owner of El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant Cantina in the Townley Center Shoppes, said congested traffic flow hampers customers from getting to his restaurant. He misses his usual lunchtime crowd.
“I mean this time last year at least half the restaurant at this point would be full,” Leon said.
Leon blames the decline on the nearby construction project. For 17 days, the on and off ramps were closed, which hurt business.
“As soon as they did that it was a nose dive,” Leon said.
Traffic delays continue despite ramp reopening
The ramps have been open since November 27. However, Leon said it takes two light cycles to get off of New Circle Road and onto Leestown Road to reach his restaurant.
“So people who know that may unfortunately avoid come this way,” Leon said.
Mike and Alex Jones are loyal customers who have been coming to the restaurant for 15 years. But at times the congestion makes them eat elsewhere.
“So a lot of times we are choosing to go closer to the house or somewhere where the traffic isn’t as heavy,” Alex Jones said.
Other businesses find success during construction
Grounded All Day Cafe is a few miles away from the interchange in the Meadowthorpe neighborhood. Owner Rock Daniels, who is in favor of the road project, said his business was able to thrive during the road work thanks to an online media blitz.
“We reached out to all social media platforms we also released our on-line ordering right as this was happening and that bumped our business by 15 percent,” Daniels said.
Leon said he plans to follow that advice.
“I think that’s great advice I think that’s what we are going to try to push and let the community know the position we are in,” Leon said.
Restaurant owner forced to make cuts
Leon’s current position is difficult. He has had to shrink a staff of 25 down to seven and taken on a shorter lease due to an uncertain future at this location.
“To get through 2008 when we had the recession going on…if got through a world pandemic…I didn’t think a construction would hurt us like it has but unfortunately it has,” Leon said.
The road project is expected to be complete in 2027.
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