(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Felipe’s 109 has been located off South Academy Boulevard since 2021, and they’ve been successful until construction began. However, customers had no way to reach the restaurant which forced them to open another location.

“We were projecting to have one of our highest years for sales and unfortunately because of construction they blocked off Boychuck for a couple of weeks there for us,” said Felipe Velasquez owner of Felipe’s 109.

The construction on S. Academy Blvd. has been impacting local business owners and many of them are becoming worried.

Velasquez says he’s lost more than 300 thousand dollars since construction began last year.

“Unfortunately, we got the brunt of that. But, you know, hopefully, we can take this as an opportunity,” he added.

He said that even though there was access to his business on S. Academy Blvd., GPS, and road signs were not accurate and sent customers the wrong way.

“Even though they said that the signs were working that did not really work. Who wants to go through detours when you can just turn around,” said Velasquez.

As a result of his frustration, he decided to go to the City Council to voice his concerns. he was relieved the city was aware of the issues and began to offer more resources.

“The Southeast location had some trials and tribulations type of things going on with the construction over there off South Academy and Hancock, but it just opened up opportunities for us to make sure that we could try to expand throughout the city,” he said.

Luckily, he is opening a second location for his restaurant off Colorado Avenue and is working hard to make it perfect ahead of opening day.

“We’re super excited to show people work for it because 109 has the new look that we’re going to have,” said Velasquez.