Mantorville businesses see end of construction tunnel

Downtown Mantorville businesses are “struggling,” one restaurant owner says, but the road construction project that has torn up Highway 57 passing through downtown is nearly over.

“That’s the bright side, said Sakhann “Michelle” Douk, co-owner of the County Seat Coffeehouse in downtown Mantorville. What’s more, customers have been loyal during the mayhem.

“We do have people who have come to support us, so we’re doing OK,” Douk said. “We are looking forward to the construction being over. I hope people will stay patient with us. This will be done and over sooner rather than later.”

Lynnette Nash, owner of The Chocolate Shoppe in downtown Mantorville, said “it’s significant” when asked how much business she’s lost during construction. She estimates it at 45 percent.

Nash said the bridge being closed for 10 days was brutal, Highway 14 being under construction doesn’t help, and the poor weather has been another factor in the sales downturn.

“It’s moving along,” Minnesota Department of Transportation spokesman Mike Dougherty said of Highway 57 construction. “They’re talking about when they can start paving in the near future. Local traffic can still access homes and businesses.”

If you’re just traveling through Mantorville, you’re directed to take the detour, he said.