NEW ORLEANS — On Saturday, The Junction will open its doors for the last time.
“It’s been increasingly difficult the last few months especially,” The Junction Manager Spike Norman said.
Junction Manager Spike Norman says business was booming around ten years ago, but with the rising price of pretty much everything, the owners just can’t keep up.
“The cost of food has gone up, cost of energy has gone up, and people generally just aren’t as willing to go spend their money,” Norman said.
Down the street, Rosalitas is shutting down, even with lines stretching to the door.
The eateries still standing are struggling too. Owner of St. Roch Market Kevin Pedeaux says his electric bill alone this month was $9,000.
“The biggest problem with summer is the business drops off and equipment is running and running and running,” Pedeaux said.
Bills aren’t the only thing on the rise. There were a string of burglaries in the Bywater just last month. WWL Louisiana asked Pedeaux if he thought an increase in crime downriver could be impacting business. He believes it all comes down to the green.
“I don’t think crime is the major issue,” Pedeaux said. “I think the major issue is people need to be able to make a living.”
There is some good news though. As for the Junction, Norman says the farm-to-table joint could be back in the area at some point.
“We might, but we still have no clue if we do what that will look like. So we’re taking the month to figure it out.” Norman said.
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