Local Restaurant Owner Says Traffic Issues Are Affecting Business
ATLANTA – As the city gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaders are making improvements in Midtown and downtown Atlanta. However, some local business owners feel that these construction projects are causing more harm than good by driving away customers.
Ayman Kamel, who runs popular restaurants 5Church Midtown and 5Church Buckhead, expressed his love for the work he does but noted the increasing traffic challenges have been detrimental to his business.
“I wake up excited to be here and do what I love,” Kamel said. “But lately, traffic has become a real nightmare.”
He added that getting to work on time requires planning for an extra 15 minutes to an hour due to ongoing road construction and street closures around Midtown. “People are either canceling reservations or letting us know they’ll be late because of the traffic,” he explained.
Kamel highlighted that these cancellations and delays hurt sales and make for a frustrating experience for customers. “This situation is not enjoyable for anyone, and it’s definitely going to impact our business in the long run,” he said.
Recently, he reached out on social media to city leaders, urging them to take steps to ease the traffic issues before local businesses are forced to face tough financial choices. He expressed concern, stating, “It’s frustrating because landlords don’t care about the traffic situation. There are bills to pay, and we rely on our customers to come in. This is my neighborhood, and I want it to be the best it can be.”
In response, the Midtown Alliance stated that the construction work is aimed at improving safety. “The projects coordinated with the Atlanta Department of Transportation are focused on enhancing safety,” they said. They mentioned that improvements on Juniper Street, expected to be completed by the end of the year, will address safety gaps in an area that has seen numerous crashes involving vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists over the past five years.
As the developments continue, both business owners and city officials hope to find a balance that supports local commerce while improving the area’s safety for everyone.
