Construction affecting some during Hayward Restaurant Month

HAYWARD, Calif. - Hayward Restaurant Month is underway, aiming to promote small businesses across the city, but several restaurant owners near a construction site say the project is hurting their bottom line.

The concerns are centered around Eden Landing, a shopping center just off Highway 92 that is home to several locally owned restaurants.

Imelda Adams owns The Neighborhood Grandma, a local café along the corridor.

"The construction workers are parking here," she said, adding the workers are taking away already limited parking spots.

The construction is also congesting an already narrow roadway, making it hard for customers to reach the various eateries.

The project, led by HITT construction and approved by the City of Hayward, involves the demolition of an old, unused industrial building.

They're turning the site into a new data center, a project approved last May.

Business owners brought their concerns to city council, including the mayor, in December.

"We’re at the point, my partner and I have been thinking, instead of keep growing and making more restaurants in Hayward, because it’s been great and we want to grow, we’re thinking now to close," said Edgar Gil, co-owner of Habibi’s Birria.

Restaurant owners say business has dropped between 50% and 75% over the past six months. 

City leaders say affected restaurants were offered the opportunity to participate in Hayward Restaurant Month, noting the program has been successful in the past.

It promotes small businesses in Hayward, and each participating business offers a special to get customers through the door. 

But the owners say that isn't enough.

Adams told KTVU her cafe brought in just $40 on one day last week because customers could not find parking.

KTVU connected with Mayor Mark Salinas, who says HITT agreed to a $2 million community benefits package; part of it includes a $300,000 small business grant and a $50,000 investment in Eden Landing signage.

"We've done things like sponsor social media influencer programs," said Salinas. "We've sponsored new signage for businesses. We've renovated businesses. We've painted and we've remodeled, in some cases."

That investment, however, doesn't cash out until the construction project is done. Salinas said that could take about a year.

But once the money is paid to the city, the mayor plans to immediately take action.

"You better be for sure that we will target them [Eden Landing owners] first," he said. "We will make sure that every single one of them gets the application. We will work with them, usher them through the process."

Hayward Restaurant Month lasts until Jan. 31.

"We just push forward and see what happens from here," said Adams. "We'll pray and hope and ask God to lead us in the right direction."