Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansans look for somewhere to cool off when it’s hot outside, and on a Friday night, eateries are on some people’s lists.
The high temperatures have forced some companies in downtown Little Rock out of business.
People are heading to their Friday lunches as the sun swelters down on Main Street.
“It’s Arkansas heat and even being a native Arkansan, each and every summer we act surprised, it’s going to show up, it’s going to rear its ugly head,” one of the owners at Mockingbird Bar and Tacos, John Campbell said.
You might pass by some of the restaurants and notice a closed sign.
Despite using fans, evaporative coolers, dehumidifiers, and other cooling devices, doors had to be closed to install new AC units.
“It’s just brutal, you add bodies into the restaurant, I think the thermostat is reading at about 85-86 right now with nobody in here,” Campbell said.
According to John Campbell, they had to close on Friday to get a new air conditioning unit.
“You absolutely cringe to even think about putting a sign on the door that says closed,” Campbell stated.
“It will be heavenly because it has been very brutal on our guests and our employees this week so, just to get it down in temp to make it comfortable for everybody will be a dream come true,” Campbell said about re-opening the doors on Saturday.
The Root Café, a little eatery on the corner, is located just down the road.
To ensure the safety of their clients and employees, they have been closing their doors during the warmest hours of the day.
“We did close from 2-5 p.m. yesterday and the day before, today and we are looking at tomorrow,” Kimberly Foret said.
Manager at The Root Café Kimberly Foret stated that additional fans have been installed in the kitchen and dining area, and that they have temporarily closed the outdoor area to visitors.
They have also promoted hydration and increased employee break times.
“We are just trying to remind everyone to take care of ourselves,” Foret stated.
Both restaurants expressed their sincere gratitude for the patronage they have received as they work to keep their establishments as cool as possible amid the heat wave.