ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Business owners must be prepared for anything, including orange cones, concrete and reinforcing bars.

After owning Nexus Brewery and Restaurant for nearly 14 years, Ken Carson has seen the ups and downs. However, the metro’s biggest construction project happening right outside his restaurant, near I-25 and Montgomery Boulevard, has already hit his business hard since it began in August 2024.

“At first I thought it wouldn’t affect us very much, especially when I saw how they set it up, and it seemed like it was reasonable,” Carson said. “And it looks like it’s going to be even better for us in the long term.”

Carson said his sales have dropped 25-30% on certain days. While access to his business hasn’t been impacted, he said customers have told him they’re avoiding the area altogether.

“A lot of times it’s fear of accidents and things like that,” she said.

Carson has tightened the budget and cut back on operating costs. He has also focused on taking food to people.

“We did put an emphasis on our catering business and make sure we have a full-time person working our busiest hours to make sure we’re getting those phone calls,” Carson said.

He said contractors have met with him to listen to his ideas and concerns. They even designed a social media ad for him to post. The ad features arrows showing people how they can get to the restaurant in less than 10 minutes.

A spokesperson for the New Mexico Department of Transportation said they’ve put additional signs up, pointing to business access. The spokesperson also said they provided communication resources for customers.

With two more years of construction ahead, Carson said he hopes Burqueños pull through as he holds on for a bumpy ride.

“That’s all you can do,” he said. “It’s not easy to adjust 25%. That’s tough.”