Family Business Shuts Down After Three Decades Due to Roadwork Impact

Lubbock Businesses in Turmoil Due to Road Construction

So, here’s the story out of Lubbock, Texas, that’s got the neighborhood talking.

The Heartbreaking Closure of Galaxy Pawn

Gail and Bill Roberts have been serving the community since 1995 with Galaxy Pawn. Their dream of working together as husband and wife quickly turned into the heart of the community. Customers called them "nana" and "papa," much like their own grandchildren do. The Roberts became a staple in their customers’ lives, which makes the decision to close all the more bitter. On December 31st, amidst tears and heartbreak, they’ll be shutting their doors for good.

The trouble began back in June 2022 when a massive road construction project started right outside their shop. The $25 million project is revamping roads and infrastructure but is proving disastrous for local businesses.

The Ripple Effect on Local Businesses

This isn’t just about Galaxy Pawn, though. Just down the street, Choo Chai, a local Thai restaurant with a 42-year history, is gasping for air. Owner Than Rittiluechai likens the effect to taking a big hit—“It might put me into early retirement,” he said. Despite weathering other storms like the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s this current construction that threatens its survival.

Another affected business is The Computer Guy, run by Bill Hanselman. Hanselman’s got his own challenges, not least of which is adapting to life after losing a leg. He describes the situation as absurd, noting, "Three months with no money and all the bills that keep coming in. I don’t have any money left."

An Outcry for Better Communication

Business owners want better communication, though it’s clear the damage is done. “They said they were going to have access to every business,” Hanselman quipped, “but I don’t really consider this much access.” State Senator Charles Perry has had his say too: "It’s not a simple road construction job now." Yet, Perry has pledged that if it’s not done by January 1, 2025, state intervention might be necessary.

Hope for Financial Assistance

While it’s too late for the Roberts to save their beloved pawnbroker shop, there’s a glimmer of hope they cling to—that their neighbors might receive financial aid to weather the ongoing storm. As the New Yorkers would say, it’s a tough world out there, and sometimes you just can’t catch a break.