Business owner on UK campus voices concerns over signage dispute

Student restaurant owner seeks resolution after university orders signage removal

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — A student at the University of Kentucky (UK) and owner of the restaurant ‘L8nite,’ Mohamed Weheba, is expressing frustration after UK requested that he remove outdoor signage from his establishment. The signage, which Weheba says led to increased foot traffic inside his restaurant, is now at the center of a dispute between the business owner and the university.

“South Limestone is a very busy street, there’s like thousands and thousands of cars that pass by here every day, the only problem is we’re really not tapping into that potential whatsoever,” said Weheba. “I had the sign out for a couple of days on the patio of the building, unfortunately, I was told I have to remove it or I’ll be evicted in 30 days,” said Weheba.

Weheba, who operates L8nite on the edge of UK’s campus, reported that the presence of the sign significantly boosted visibility and customer flow. However, UK has requested the removal of the sign, prompting Weheba to seek further clarification and an opportunity to address his concerns directly with the university.

ABC 36 reached out to UK, they released a statement:

“Cornerstone is a public private partnership and we are working with our vendors to continue to improve their experience, including things like signage. At the same time, we must ensure that all these efforts match both our brand standards and the quality we want and expect in our facilities.”

This statement was shared with Weheba during an interview.

“This is really only the type of statement that I’ve been receiving, sort of the generic you know we have to follow guidelines which I understand,” said Weheba. “But my point is like if you’re going to have businesses in here why not let them advertise,” said Weheba.

Despite the university’s explanation, Weheba remains dissatisfied and is advocating for a discussion to resolve the issue.

“I’m just hoping I can at least sit down with someone at the university, someone who makes these decisions, so I can explain my side of things. If my signage does not follow guidelines, can we at least sit down and discuss what follows guidelines, what can we work together to achieve,” said Weheba.

The sign is currently located on the backside of the building, and Weheba is in the process of complying with the university’s request to remove it, while hoping for further dialogue on the matter.