ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Another Rochester business says the pressures of downtown construction are just too great to keep their doors open.
Thai-riffic, located along 2nd Street SW, posted a message on Facebook saying effective Thursday, their front door is permanently closed.
“We thought it’s going to be better,” said owner Pen. “The construction is getting worse and worse.”
The business says detours and ongoing downtown construction have made it impossible to keep doing business.
Asked how the situation has made him feel, co-owner Michael responded bluntly.
“Overwhelmed, helpless, sunk,” Michael said.
With finances running low, Pen and Michael dipped into their own savings to try to keep the doors open. Eventually, they decided they couldn’t keep fighting.
“You can only hit so hard,” said Michael. “You have to call it a day at some point.”
“It’s been a struggle,” he added. “We’re not on top. We’re not even treading water. We’re the Titanic. We’ve imploded. We’ve sunk”
They say they also received limited assistance. The city provided some signage and a social media promotion, but they say it wasn’t enough to turn things around.
“What really helped was Thursdays on First,” said Pen.
“It was amazing. We had fun. We felt alive again,” she added
They thanked the customers for their kindness and for giving them a 4.8-star rating on Google reviews. While the physical restaurant is closing, Thai-riffic owners will continue to offer catering.
“I will miss my customers for sure, said Pen. [I will] miss talking to them. ‘How’s the food?’ How good, how bad, or whatever that I can fix it for them.”
Other 2nd Street businesses have shared similar struggles due to ongoing construction.
Thesis Beer Project owners say their business will close before the end of the year.
In responding to the announcement, a city spokesperson issued the following statement.
We’re saddened to see Thai-riffic close its storefront to customers, while understanding that the business plans to continue operating through its catering tray service. Our team has been in regular communication with the owner and will continue supporting them through this transition, including discussing what support may be helpful should reopening to customers ever become an option.
As we look ahead, access along 2nd Street is expected to improve beginning in November, with the goal of having at least one lane open in each direction from Highway 52 to Broadway by December. While construction schedules remain subject to change, this will represent a meaningful improvement in access and visibility for businesses along the corridor.
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