West Washington Street restaurant loses 75% of sales during Blue Line construction

Sales at The Jollof Buka dropped by 75 percent on Wednesday, a sharp decline owner Akintayo Awodumila attributes to Blue Line construction directly outside the restaurant.

The West Washington Street establishment has seen business fall since crews began working in front of the building. Awodumila said detour signs have forced some drivers to take 15-minute routes to reach the door. He reduced staff on Thursday to keep operations running while revenue stayed low.

The restaurant, which previously appeared on WISH-TV, is part of the 24-mile bus rapid transit project running from the airport to Cumberland. The full line is scheduled to open in 2028. Awodumila spoke with a city staff member who described the work as a two-year project. He questioned how the business would survive the duration of the construction along Washington Street.

Utility interruptions have compounded the sales loss. City crews have shut off water and power without warning, Awodumila said. On some nights, the water service ended at 9 p.m., forcing the restaurant to close early instead of staying open until 11 p.m. He said these early closures directly reduce daily revenue.

Awodumila said the restaurant remains open to customers who can reach it through the neighborhood. Drivers can enter from 10th Street and travel through Belleville Place to arrive at the building. He noted that while the infrastructure work is necessary, the lack of advance notice made planning difficult.

The owner said he wished the city had informed businesses before construction started. That warning would have allowed staff to plan resources and prepare for the disruption. The Jollof Buka continues to serve customers despite the road work in front of its entrance.