TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - A local restaurant is sharing its frustration with the City of Tallahassee after road work has continued for months outside of the business.
David Gwynn, the owner of Vertigo Burgers and Fries, says business is down 30 percent.
Gwynn says construction has been going on for nearly 3 months in front of his business.
Since the current construction has been doing on, Gwynn estimates a loss of over 30% in sales, which works out to about $600-700 a day.
The City of Tallahassee says, they've been working with the owner to make sure at least one of their two driveways remains open during construction. They say, rain delays has slowed construction, but they expect to be complete by mid to late August.
Gwynn says he understands the importance of the construction, he just wants to make sure residents know they're open for business.
"Our manager has had numerous situations where people have come in and wondering, 'Oh, we didn't think you were open.'" Gwynn explained. "You know we're getting that kinds of stuff. It's not like it's few far and in between, we're getting it a lot."
The city commented on the business' Facebook post saying quote:
"We understand the inconveniences construction presents and are working to minimize these for you and other businesses in the area."
The city also reached out to Gwynn, privately saying they apologize for blocking the businesses driveway.
Gywnn says that this isn't the first time he's had trouble with city construction.
He says that about a month ago, his business lost all communication and internet for a whole day. On a separate occasion, the city had to shutdown water lines for a whole day due to construction on a neighboring business.
Additionally, during the Vertigo's 2nd year being open, the city put in parking in the back by his patio and says there was dust everywhere and loud construction machinery which made it uncomfortable for guests.
The city has since finished that phase of construction.
Gywnn suggests a solution may be for the City to work in off-hours and in shorter phases, so normal business could continue.
David says, "My intent was not to complain. I don't want to be the bad guy. But when people are calling us wondering if we're even open, it becomes an issue."
He says he is all for the beautification and improvement of Tallahassee, but not when it comes at a cost.
