MINNEAPOLIS— Small businesses along one of Minneapolis’ busiest corridors struggled to stay open during construction this summer, and some did not survive.
But there is new hope for Hennepin now that the first phase of the Hennepin Avenue South reconstruction project has been completed. This means that the stretch between West Lake Street and West 26th Street is open again.
Eight months ago, Robert Sorenson was preparing for a major economic blow.
“It was extremely difficult,” Sorenson said.
The good news is that Bobby Bead is still on shaky ground.
“It’s been a disaster for all the businesses on this block,” Sorenson said.
Since construction began, Sorenson says his sales have dropped 90%, forcing him to take out a loan just to keep the lights on.
Hoban Korean BBQ is also feeling the heat. Tarpeh says the lack of customers has a direct impact on his wallet, as a server takes home about $500 less per paycheck since construction started. But he’s counting on the reopening and customer support to help them recover.
Last year, Americans spent a whopping $17 billion on Small Business Saturday. A boost for this one companies say they need that.
“I’m looking forward to things getting back to normal,” Sorenson said.
The second phase of the project will reconstruct Hennepin Avenue from 26th Street to Douglas Avenue in 2025.
