LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Local restaurants are urging the public to continue supporting their businesses despite ongoing disruptions caused by a two-year construction project along River Road. The project, which is being undertaken by the Louisville Water Company, is set to replace aging water pipes along the stretch of River Road from Zorn Avenue to Prospect. The construction, which began in early March, is already causing significant challenges for businesses in the area.
The construction has led to road closures and detours, creating confusion among patrons and reducing the flow of customers to restaurants and businesses along River Road. However, several local dining establishments, including River House, KingFish, River Road BBQ, Haymarket, Cunningham’s, Captains Quarters, The Pine Room, and Limestone Bay, remain open and continue to welcome guests despite the construction challenges.
Chris Saylor, president of the Kentucky Restaurant Association Louisville, emphasized the importance of improving signage and providing clear directions for visitors. He expressed concerns that the lack of adequate communication could harm businesses that are already facing struggles due to other challenges, such as severe weather and flooding earlier this year.
Saylor urged the community to rally behind local businesses during this difficult time. “It’s essential that visitors and residents alike are clearly informed that the local restaurants and businesses remain open and eager to serve their loyal patrons,” Saylor said. “Our friends on River Road, in particular, have already faced a challenging year with flooding and severe weather conditions, including ice and snowstorms. Now, more than ever, it is time for us as consumers to support these businesses and show our commitment to keeping them alive.”
With the spring season approaching, restaurants like River House and KingFish are anticipating an increase in business due to Lent, warmer weather, and the upcoming Kentucky Derby. However, the road closures have made it difficult for both regular customers and newcomers to easily access these establishments.
Gerg Wortham, executive vice president of KingFish, expressed frustration with the lack of clarity surrounding the road closures. “The road closure has created an unknown and inconvenient route for our guests,” Wortham explained. “While some regulars know the area, many others are deterred due to unclear directions. The initial media coverage stating the road would be closed for two years has caused confusion. Some customers have even brought in newspaper articles stating the road closure would affect us, with no mention that we, and other local businesses, remain open and accessible.”
The Louisville Water Company anticipates the construction project will last for approximately two years. In ideal weather conditions, the company aims to replace about 200 feet of pipe per day. As the work progresses, businesses along the route are hopeful that clearer communication and better signage will help mitigate the negative effects of the project on their operations.
In the meantime, local restaurants are relying on the support of the community to help them weather the storm and continue serving customers. As Saylor stated, “It’s crucial that consumers understand the importance of supporting these businesses, especially as they recover from a difficult year. Local restaurants are a vital part of our community, and they need our support now more than ever.”
