Downtown Augusta Shop Jokes About Water Street Construction

Sidewalk construction on Water Street has been causing quite a stir, as torn-up pavement, piles of dirt, heavy equipment and traffic cones have become a familiar sight for pedestrians, drivers and local business owners. While the work may promise improvements down the road, getting through the construction zone has been anything but convenient in the meantime.

One local business, Wrapped Up Coffee House, decided to make light of the disruption with a little roadside humor. The coffee shop placed a chalkboard sign near the construction that reads, “SIDEWALK IS GARBAGE,” before adding, “COFFEE’S NOT much better… But Hey… We’re OPEN.”

The playful message gives passersby a reason to smile while also reminding customers that the business is still open and ready to serve them despite the construction happening just outside. With sidewalks disrupted and access looking less inviting than usual, the sign turns an inconvenient situation into a clever bit of advertising.

Construction can be especially challenging for small businesses that depend on foot traffic and easy access. Rather than simply complain about the mess, Wrapped Up Coffee House used humor to draw attention and keep spirits up. The sign has become a fitting symbol of the current scene on Water Street: a little chaotic, a little frustrating, but still open for business, and apparently ready with a cup of coffee and a good joke.