LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – It has been almost two weeks since the DoubleTree Hotel fire on Oct. 7 shut down streets and businesses in the surrounding area.
Two restaurants sit a few feet apart, separated by a barricade that marks the difference between staying open and remaining closed.
Restaurant remains closed
Javier Arreolla owns Las Flores, a restaurant near San Bernardo and Constantinople Street, on the corner block of the DoubleTree Hotel that caught fire Oct. 7.
“It’s a big impact on me, on my employees, and my business, because we’re still closed. The business has been closed for almost two weeks,” Arreolla said.
Arreolla said the closure is costing him about $12,000 a week.
“So I have to pay my bills over there… and the rent, so I don’t know what to do. Because I don’t have that kind of money to spend on my house or on the business,” Arreolla said.
On Monday, Oct. 19, out-of-town structural engineers arrived in Laredo. People were seen surveying the DoubleTree Hotel. Officials said the stabilization process could take five to six weeks.
Nearby restaurant reopens with restrictions
One restaurant outside what officials call the collapse zone was allowed to reopen with restrictions. The main restaurant parking is closed, and people only have access to two parking spots.
Joel Gueta, co-owner of Don Vincente, said the street closures have affected the business.
“The closing of the streets has really impacted us; they haven’t offered any solutions other than opening with restrictions. We are only open on the side of San Bernardo. A lot of customers are having trouble finding parking and just getting out of the car, and it is affecting us,” Gueta said.
Gueta said she hopes the city can offer financial support to the affected small businesses.
Arreolla said if he cannot open Las Flores after the five-to-six-week period, he may have to take up another job to stay afloat and pay bills.
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