ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando businesses have faced a series of challenges in recent years – first the pandemic, then inflation, and now construction.
A year-long project along North Orange Avenue is threatening the survival of a popular bar and restaurant in the area.
Jason Lambert, the owner of The Hammered Lamb in Ivanhoe Village, is preparing for an event he hopes will save his business. Known for its signature “train shots” and as a staple in the community, The Hammered Lamb has seen better days.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
“It used to be busy until about a year ago,” Lambert said. “It’s just gotten worse and worse.”
Construction-related challenges have hit the area hard, especially when it comes to parking.
Already scarce, the availability of spaces has further diminished due to cones, barricades, and excavators.
The impact has been devastating for local businesses.
“It’s literally construction exhaustion—everyone is tired of trying to find a place to park,” Lambert added.
Lambert says his sales have dropped by 50% since the city began a sewer project on North Orange Avenue last October.
“It just doesn’t seem like there’s an end in sight,” Lambert said.
“We’ve reached out to everybody we knew, and honestly, I’ve borrowed from every relative and friend that I could borrow from to keep the place open. Now, we’re just out of options. I’ve maxed out every credit card and taken out every business line of credit,” Lambert said.
To keep his business afloat, Lambert is turning to the community for help.
This Saturday, Lambert will host a special brunch, where customers can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win items donated by local businesses—and even some national ones.
“Miller Lite donated a signed guitar, signed by Luke Combs,” Lambert said. “We’ve put out a cry for help, and people have been coming in with all kinds of stuff.”
Lambert’s goal is to raise $30,000 at the event.
If he can’t reach that goal, “We probably won’t be here much longer,” Lambert said.
The brunch will start Saturday at 10 a.m. at The Hammered Lamb in Ivanhoe Village.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: