Lincoln restaurant owner says 11th Street project could force him to close

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Road construction projects are going on all over Lincoln this summer, but one has a Lincoln business concerned.

Pepe’s Bistro is a vegan Hispanic restaurant at 11th and B streets. It’s been serving Lincoln for over 16 years.

But the restaurant said roadwork on 11th Street has it on the brink of closure.

“We’ve seen like probably a 75% drop at least,” owner Pepe Fierro said. “It’s hard to pay rent, and if I can’t pay rent, I got to pack up and go.”

He said many businesses have already shut down for good because of road construction.

Fierro thinks the city should allocate some funds to small businesses hurt by road projects.

The Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department said it understands the challenges faced by businesses during road construction.

Director Liz Elliott said the 11th Street project is taking place in phases to minimize disruption to businesses. She also said access to businesses has been maintained.

LTU met with businesses ahead of the project, and Elliott said the department tries to balance the need for upgrades with the needs of residents.