Community comes out to support local coffee shop struggling due to road construction

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee community is brunching with purpose this weekend in order to help save a local business. Sales have plummeted at 'Coffee Makes You Black' and the owners blame road construction outside their doors. 

Road construction on Teutonia Avenue outside of the business has caused their sales to decline because it's extremely hard for people to get to their business. The daycare facility next door had to shut its doors because parents were having a hard time getting to it. 

"Our Saturdays used to be busy before construction," Co-Owner of Coffee Makes You Black Laurie Thurman said. "It has been a struggle." 

The business took to social media to ask the community to come out to their coffee shop this weekend, and people came in droves. Lines filled the store all morning and afternoon. 

"It's amazing," Thurman said. "The community has come out and showed all kind of love to us today." 

Many people volunteered to serve and take orders including 15th District Alderman Russell W. Stamper, II. 

"It's killing them financially," Alderman Stamper said. "People don't have access to the roads, which means they don't have access to the businesses." 

Coffee Makes You Black has been a staple in the community for more than 15 years. It's a popular spot for locals, elected officials and even presidential hopefuls. Saturday's community support is serving up much-needed help and positivity. 

"Coming here, I see the Milwaukee that I know and that I love. It makes me proud to be from Milwaukee," a customer said. 

People full of caffeine and delicious food are bringing the energy back to a beloved business in the community.

"The community will come together when they have to and it shows me all the love they have for Coffee Makes You Black," Thurman said.