Local businesses struggling during Menge Avenue closure

The Menge Avenue overpass is projected to be finished early – by October – depending on if they have any setbacks. This is great news for the local businesses right off the interstate because they have taken quite the hit since construction began.

In July, local owners told us they were worried this road closure would hurt their business.

Turns out they were correct.

“It definitely has affected us. Unfortunately, I had to let people go. People had gone because there’s not enough money,” said Anthony Monjaraz, an employee at El Patron Mexican Restaurant. “Especially servers. They had to leave because they weren’t making enough money here.”

Monjaraz has noticed other businesses making sacrifices to keep their doors open as well.

“At the end of the day, we just try to do better,” he said. “Try to do the best we can.”

Some shops are excited to welcome Buc-ee’s to town, so they’re staying optimistic during this time.

“I think with Buc-ee’s coming in, I think it’s going to help us as a business and I don’t think it’s going to hurt us,” said Isabella Dupuy, Manager at Exit 24 Nutrition. “Because we have something that Buc-ee’s doesn’t. We’re a nutrition shop. Buc-ee’s doesn’t have that, and I feel like it will bring in new customers. I think it’s going to be great, and we’re all going to win in the end.”

Buc-ee’s is expected to bring in about 200 workers. For more information on that process, read this!