DENVER (KDVR) — As construction continues on East Colfax Avenue, one restaurant owner is speaking on the impacts of the project.
Yahya’s Mediterranean Grill and Pastries, located at 2207 E Colfax Ave, sits right in the area where construction is underway for a Bus Rapid Transit Line, which is expected to be completed in 2027.
FOX31 interviewed the owner of Yahya Ameen, which offers authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. He tells FOX31 that despite the positive reviews and feedback from customers, people are not coming through the doors like they used to.
“We survived COVID. We’re hoping to survive what’s going on right now with the construction,” Ameen said.
Trying to adapt to the construction, the restaurant has expanded advertising and new banners outside encouraging parking in the back, but he said it still has not been enough, as the restaurant is relying heavily on other services it offers.
“The only thing keeps me going right now is my catering orders. I do some catering order for offices. I get one or two orders for the week just to keep the doors open,” Ameen said.
Ameen is one of many restaurant owners on East Colfax Avenue calling out to the community to support local, as some have even previously spoken to FOX31, stating that the construction has impacted customers walking through the door.
“Our business it’s like our first baby. My daughter took her first step here it’s a small family business and you know, everybody walks in here. They leave happy and they make a friend,” Ameen said.
Despite the construction, Ameen hopes that customers will continue to support the restaurant and come in.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
