By Samira Zarazua
OMAHA, Neb. — Inner-city construction in Omaha has been affecting the small businesses across the city – including the mobile businesses like food trucks. From the streetcar that is now two years behind schedule (Turley, 2026), to the downtown projects blocking off complete sidewalks, businesses on these roads have dropped in sales tremendously.
Food trucks sitting in designated lots at the Gene Leahy Mall in Downtown Omaha.
Surrounding residents are now tired of seeing the roads block signs and jaywalking families due to these road and sidewalk being inaccesible. Food truck owners depend directly on accessibility to sidewalks and roads to serve customers.
Road closures due to the construction have made operating food trucks much harder with the limited access to parking spaces and walkways. Food trucks, a popular food option that is meant to be convenient to purchase, are affected negatively by those closures.
With the construction in different areas of Omaha having unclear deadlines, like the streetcar, residents have little clue on when roads will become more accessible.
Organizations like MECA, who operate locations like The River Front downtown, have made it possible for trucks to operate at the Gene Leahy Mall. With dedicated spots for trucks and provided trash and recycling bins for food waste, some food trucks continue to gain customers.
Katie Bassett, the Vice President of Parks in MECA, mentioned how they are very excited for the completion of the streetcar, hoping that it brings more foot-traffic to the Gene Leahy Mall. They see no issue battling contruction, especially in the park area.
Unfortunately, not all trucks are able to operate in this area.
Nicole Izquierdo, owner of Latin Bites food truck, has struggled greatly with the construction in Omaha, making it harder for business to go well. After starting her food truck in downtown Omaha, Izquierdo noticed how the construction makes residents and visitors less likely to spend time outside.
Nicole Izquierdo preparing Latin Bites’ famous Columbian empanadas.
On top of that, over 70 food trucks operate in Omaha (Roaming Hunger, 2026), making the need for fewer road closures higher. After recently moving to a location with fewer traffic cones and more sidewalk space, like a neighborhood, operations in Latin Bites have gone smoother.
Izquierdo mentions that community is especially important when setting up her truck. With road closures also blocking sidewalks, that makes it harder for communities to walk to their favorite food stop.
As construction continues in Omaha, small businesses like food trucks must find ways to ensure their doors, or windows, stay operating.
