SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Construction season brings many inconveniences to drivers as they make their way around the state this summer.
Those inconveniences are often changing the routes drivers may take, too, impacting area businesses.
On Thursday, Sioux Falls business Polar Bites took to social media to let people know that their 41st Street location was still open despite the Cliff Avenue Interchange construction.
They found out about the closures a little late in the game and have been looking for ways to adapt.
Days at the pool, outdoor recreation and sweet treats are all signs of the arrival of summer.
“There’s nothing like that blue smile that walks away after having a snow cone yelling, ‘Thank you!’” said Polar Bites owner Jessica Rooney.
But it’s another summer staple just down the street causing concern.
“That’s new, there are a lot of big trucks coming through. There are cones everywhere coming in, so the whole street looks like it’s under construction right now,” Rooney said.
Rooney explained that because they’re only open during a few months of the year, they rely on having steady foot traffic during the time they are open.
Since the closure, Rooney said their sales were cut in half.
“Even though we’re not open September through March, we still pay the same every month in rent and our insurance doesn’t stop and all of that stuff doesn’t stop, so our summers need to be big enough to kind of carry us through. This is it. This is our crunch time,” Rooney said.
Thankfully, Polar Bites doesn’t have to bank on just one location. With two trailers and catering options, they try to stay busy and supplement their income. In some ways, they can look at the construction in a positive light: a new target market.
“I’m hoping maybe they’re hot one day and need to come get a treat. We’re right down the street, so they can just walk on by on their break from working outside and grab a shaved ice, grab an ice cream and walk on back,” Rooney speculated.
They’re hopeful that other customers will make an effort to beat the detours. The construction will end eventually, so like so many businesses, Polar Bites just needs to survive the worst of it.
“Yes, when it’s done, it’s going to be amazing. When they re-pave and have all the wider streets and beautiful roads that are easier to get through, it’s going to be great. I wouldn’t be surprised if we have more traffic. It’s just weathering out the storm in between,” Rooney said.
Rooney added that the support they have received from the community in just one day since their Facebook post sharing their difficulties has been “overwhelming and wonderful.”
She hopes more businesses impacted by temporary construction are able to see the same.
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