JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – West Walnut Street is ready for the Johnson City community.
Businesses on the block welcomed back foot traffic with the “Welcome to Walnut” event, celebrating the project’s completion and the hard work of the participating businesses.
Owner of MOJO Skate Shop, Joey Booth, said the renovations add a new flair to the street.
“It looks beautiful,” he said. “The road looks great, and it was a little tough during the renovations, but they did it in three sections. They started down far, then they moved up near my shop, then down the last part, so it wasn’t too bad.”
Multiple businesses offered food specials, product discounts, and events throughout the evening.
The Jeremiah Cafe, a non-profit organization that helps provide job experience to individuals with autism, stayed open an extra four hours and served a Maryland-style crab cake special.
Manager Gabby King said the cafe remained open during renovations.
“It’s been a little hard at time, especially when the construction would be right here on us,” she said. “But we have really great support from the community, so even if the street was closed down, people found a way to get in here and see us.”
“[Foot traffic] has been steadily increasing,” said Emma Fate, another manager at Jeremiah Cafe. “So we’re hoping with the road being finished that it just keeps getting better and better.”
New businesses also joined in on the festivities.
Cofounder and co-owner of the Johnson City Brewing Company, Eric Latham, just opened his third location on West Walnut Street.
He said West Walnut is the new place to be.
“We knew for [this location] that we were going to buy it here,” he said. “We wanted to be a part of the Walnut community, especially since we live on the tree streets here. It took about six months to get here, and it always takes more time and money. But we’re excited to finally be open.”
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