Robinson reopens
Robinson Avenue has reopened and restaurants affected by its closing are trying to attract their normal flow of customers.
Two downtown businesses are open and recovering following an extended closure after debris fell from the First National Center building on Jan. 7.
The Urban Taco Shop and Sweets & Eats restaurants were forced to close for most of the week as Robinson Avenue was shut down between Main Street and Park Avenue. Customers had no way to get in.
The street has reopened, with scaffolding remaining near the base of the First National Center for anyone walking underneath, and the restaurants are trying to attract their normal flow of customers.
“We need to get the word out that we are back open,” Sweets & Eats Manager Jonathan Gold said Wednesday.
Monday and Tuesday were both slow days compared to usual traffic numbers, and the restaurant only turned a profit Wednesday.
Gold and Urban Taco Shop owner Cody Hail both said representatives from First National Center asked them to submit an invoice declaring their losses in order to pay back the businesses.
“They haven’t (paid) it yet,” Hail said. “They had me break down what we lost, what food we wasted and time for employees. I sent them a package and we’re hoping for the best.
“It’ll definitely be helpful,” Hail said. “Being closed for a week hurts, I’m not going to lie.”
Gold said his restaurant turned in a similar invoice and is waiting to hear about its status.
Gary Brooks, Cornerstone Development president and owner, whose company is working to renovate the First National Center, took to Twitter throughout the week urging people to visit both Urban Taco Shop and Sweets & Eats.
He even included photos of his meals at each of the restaurants on Monday and Tuesday.