ENID
A popular downtown restaurant is closing until Enid Renaissance Project construction is concluded. The last day Pastimes will be open is Saturday.

However, Todd Humphrey, co-owner, said he plans to reopen after construction is done.

Pastimes, 223 S. Grand, is directly across the street from the site where a new event center will be built, adjacent to Cherokee Strip Conference Center. The event center is the main part of the $24.5 million Enid Renaissance Project, which also includes renovation of Convention Hall into a ballroom and meeting facility.

Humphrey, who owns the restaurant with his brother, Monte, said recent construction activity has created some operational problems.

Recently, my wife looked out the front window about noon and Grand was blocked off. We had no notice, and wed been open an hour and already had some customers. Another time they cleaned the sewer and we had gas smells and sealer smells, and people had to take their dinner and leave, Humphrey said. You cant win those battles.

Humphrey said he and his wife have operated their business since 1998, and people are creatures of habit. They want to park in the same place they always have and now dont have the availability. He said construction was not the only reason, as there are other factors involved, but construction issues are out of his control.

I have been one of the biggest supporters of the Renaissance project, and I still am, he said. Were fighting alligators here. We knew there would be some, but didnt think it would be as devastating as its been. It just goes with the project.

About 25 employees of the restaurant were notified last week of the decision, to give them an opportunity to make other arrangements. Humphrey said they have some good and loyal employees.

I dont know how long … were not turning out the lights, but you cant continue with things outside your control, Humphrey said.

Initial construction work has been ongoing about three months and will get worse, he said. Pastimes has been open since July 1998. At the time it opened, Richills cafeteria was the only other eatery open downtown.

Now look at whats there, and if the Renaissance does what I think it will, there will be more, he said. I only wish I was a block away instead of across the street.

When the restaurant is reopened, Humphrey said the business may do something different to add a little excitement. The restaurant business is cyclical, he said, and about 60 percent of restaurants that open dont make it the first year.

This is a cyclical business, and I hate to say this is what were doing for the next few months, but its not worth beating your head against the wall, he said. We may look at different options when we reopen. It may be exciting to do something different than what we have done.

The construction isnt the main reason, but it had a direct impact. We know street closings are coming, sewer work, street repairs, and when it gets into actual construction, it will be worse than it is.