HAMPTON, Va. \u2014 Business on Queens Way in downtown Hampton were starting to see the usual seasonal uptick in business as of June 3, and they were hoping for a strong summer as they struggled to recover after nearly two years of renovations on Queens Way.<\/p>\n
Andrea Beasley has been running her business on Queens Way for almost the entire time the area was under renovation. The work started two weeks after she opened.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s definitely been a challenge,” Beasley said.<\/p>\n
Watch: City of Hampton to cut ribbon to celebrate reopening of Queens Way pedestrian area<\/a><\/p>\n City of Hampton to cut ribbon to celebrate reopening of Queens Way pedestrian area<\/p>\n As News 3 has reported, the city spent about two years renovating Queens Way. Beasley said she had no idea the renovation was coming.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople haven\u2019t been able to find us as easily, they haven\u2019t been able to see us. They haven\u2019t been able to access us or see what we really have available. For the first year, they weren\u2019t able to walk up and down the street,” Beasley explained.<\/p>\n A struggle that seems to be supported by at least one downtown Hampton business patron.<\/p>\n Watch: Multiple road projects set to open in Hampton in 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Multiple road projects set to open up in Hampton in 2025<\/p>\n \u201cI did hear talk from other people. \u2018Oh, you can\u2019t get in\u2019 or they thought they were closed,” said Rhonda Saddler.<\/p>\n Saddler said she frequently visits downtown businesses. The renovation didn\u2019t keep her away. She said the area has a lot to offer and is frustrated to hear businesses are struggling.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s small, quaint, and it\u2019s just beautiful as it warms up. Food is great,” said Saddler.<\/p>\n