Tampa’s King State Faces Financial Strain Amid Prolonged Road Closure
King State, a popular cafe and bar in Tampa, is grappling with financial challenges as a result of an extended road closure due to ongoing construction. Tim McTague, co-founder of King State, expressed concerns about the prolonged closure of Floribraska Avenue, right in front of the establishment.
The cafe was optimistic about a revival in business during the fall and winter after a slow summer. However, the situation took a downturn when construction began in September, effectively closing the road. This road closure has led to confusion among customers, with some uncertain about whether the cafe is open. There are also concerns about potential legal issues related to navigating around the construction site.
Despite efforts by King State to provide online maps guiding customers on alternative routes, McTague revealed at a recent City Council meeting that the business is facing severe financial setbacks. He emphasized that the impact of the construction has surpassed the challenges posed by the entire COVID-19 pandemic.
“The biggest bummer of that is we’re not even halfway through, and we’re slowly, slowly going down to zero,” McTague remarked during the meeting.
Facing a financial crisis, King State is now seeking support from the city and the public. The owners are urgently appealing to public leaders for assistance, while encouraging customers to visit their Tampa flagship location, operational since 2019, or their new, unobstructed restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg.
The road closure is part of the Floribraska Avenue Complete Streets Project, aimed at enhancing safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. According to Tampa spokesperson Adam Smith, the current phase of the project, involving the replacement of old water pipes, is anticipated to conclude in late February or early March.
City officials acknowledge the challenges faced by King State and are working with the contractor to improve signage indicating that the cafe remains open. The city has also directed the owners to file a lost business income claim with the risk management team.
While recognizing the importance of infrastructure projects for a growing metropolitan area, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact on local businesses. During the City Council meeting, Mayor Castor emphasized the need to address the situation promptly and ensure that businesses are adequately informed and supported during construction projects.
King State’s plea underscores the delicate balance cities must strike between growth and supporting small businesses during significant infrastructure developments. As the construction is expected to continue with a less disruptive phase in May, collaborative efforts between businesses, city officials, and contractors are crucial to navigating these challenges successfully.