The Brief
• Koffee Kup, a 37-year-old Stoughton staple, is experiencing significant losses due to Main Street construction
• Owner Bridget Hodges says this is the second year in a row her restaurant has been affected by road work
• Construction is expected to be complete by the end of fall and aims to make Main Street more accessible
STOUGHTON, Wis. — A longtime Stoughton restaurant owner is struggling to keep her business afloat as road construction has blocked access to Main Street for the second consecutive year.
Bridget Hodges, who has owned Koffee Kup for the past two years, said the ongoing construction is severely impacting her 37-year-old restaurant during what should be its busiest season.
“We wake up every day, we come here and we hope to, gosh, that we have business,” Hodges said.
The restaurant depends on foot traffic. It has seen a dramatic drop in customers since parts of Main Street closed for roadwork. During what would normally be the busy lunch period, the restaurant sits nearly empty.
“You look outside at 4:00 and that’s normally the busiest time of the day. And there’s nobody,” Hodges said.
Hodges said the construction is challenging because customers are reluctant to drive through the road closure signs.
“We put our daily specials out there. We do everything we can to get customers in here, but they still the idea of driving through where it says road closed to through traffic. People just don’t like to do that,” she said.
Hodges said the restaurant must continue purchasing fresh ingredients regardless of customer volume.
“It’s really hurting the bottom line. We serve fresh foods, fresh meats. So even if we have customers or we don’t, we still have to keep purchasing our fresh foods,” she said.
This marks the second year Hodges has dealt with construction disrupting her business, making the situation even more difficult.
“Business numbers are down so much when it’s supposed to be a very busy time of the year. And, and it’s just it’s affecting,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Hodges continues to maintain normal operations, preparing daily specials and fresh menu items.
“We’re still making our pies. We’re still making our soups. We’re still doing everything like that in hopes that this will just pass sooner than later,” she said.
The Stoughton Chamber of Commerce said they have planned for the construction impact by keeping residents and tourists informed about business operations.
Sarah Ebert, Stoughton Chamber of Commerce President, said they provide regular updates and maps showing detours and access routes.
“They get an update on time frames. They get an update on what’s going on. We provide a map. So that includes, the detours and how to get here,” she said.
According to Stoughton’s Department of Public Works, the construction is being led by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Brett Hebert said the project aims to improve downtown accessibility.
“When construction is complete, it’s going to enhance the customer experience in the downtown area. Making it easier to get into the downtown and out of downtown,” said the the director of Stoughton Public Works.
Construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of fall.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Hodges remains committed to serving her community and loyal customers.
“I will always keep my doors open because my regulars, the people that are coming into town, that brave coming into town, I want the doors to be open for them,” she said.
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