Construction in Colorado Springs prompts Felipe’s 109 owner to open second location
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Felipe’s 109 has been located off South Academy Boulevard since 2021, and they’ve been successful until construction began, which made it difficult for customers to reach the restaurant. The owner is now opening a second spot in Old Colorado City to help with sales and partnering with Trails End Taproom.
“We were projecting to have one of our highest years for sales and unfortunately because of construction they blocked off Boychuk Avenue for a couple of weeks there for us,” said Felipe Velasquez owner of Felipe’s 109.
The construction on S. Academy Blvd. has been impacting local business owners, and many are becoming worried. Velasquez said he’s lost more than $300,000 since construction began last year. “Unfortunately, we got the brunt of that. But, you know, hopefully, we can take this as an opportunity,” he added.
He said that even though there was access to his business on S. Academy Blvd., GPS, and road signs were not accurate and sent customers the wrong way. “Even though they said that the signs were working, they did not really work. Who wants to go through detours when they can just turn around, right?”
As a result of his frustration, he decided to go to the City Council to voice his concerns. He was relieved that the City was aware of the issues and began to offer more resources.
“The [southeast location] had some trials and tribulations type of things going on with the construction over there off South Academy and Hancock, but it just opened up opportunities for us to make sure that we could try to expand throughout the City,” he said.
Luckily, he is opening a second location for his restaurant off Colorado Avenue in partnership with Trails End Taproom and is working hard to make it perfect ahead of opening day. “We’re super excited to show people what Felipe’s 109 has [and] the new look that we’re going to have,” said Velasquez.
The grand opening for Felipe’s 109 inside Trails End Taproom, which is located at 2925 West Colorado Avenue, will be held on Saturday, May 4 beginning at 11 a.m.
To find more information about Felipe’s 109 and its second location, click on the link above.
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