Construction work has taken a bite out of one Akron business.

DeVitis Italian Deli and Market has seen around a 5 percent decrease in sales following the Tallmadge Avenue construction that began early this year. DeVitis and Sons Incorporated Vice-President Tony DeVitis says construction in front of his building has created a negative impact on business.

"Overall, our retail sales are off slightly. In the begininning of the project, when there was more confusion and people were not accustomed to the construction, the difference in sales was much more significant," says DeVitis.

DeVitis says he thinks customers are shying away from the area because of the inconvenience.

Although he can't make up lost sales, DeVitis says he hopes to attract more customers once road work is finished.

The construction project that is set to be completed in late October will build new sidewalks and street lighting along with the installation of a new water line.