Editor’s note: This article has been corrected to reflect that the off-limits list is created by the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board.
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — As the Citadel Mall in Colorado Springs works to make safety improvements, two 18-year-olds are hoping to bring families back to the mall by opening their frozen yogurt shop.
Maikol Bertamis and Keira Trujillo decided to buy “Sweet Freeze” in the Citadel Mall specifically to help improve the mall’s image while proving to the community it can be a happy place once again.
“I got the vision of, ‘Why don’t I own something myself? Why don’t I start something new?'” said Bertamis, the owner of Sweet Freeze.
Bertamis and his girlfriend, Trujillo, may be young but they’re hungry for change. “After I got a loan approved I purchased this spot, where me and my girlfriend run it,” Bertamis added.
The proud new owners of the shop are trying to put a sweet new twist on the Citadel’s reputation. “Why not bring something sweet to such a bitter place?” said Bertamis.
The Citadel Mall used to be a bustling shopping center, but it landed itself a spot on the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board’s list of off-limit locations earlier this year following a string of shootings at the mall.
“I know that the history isn’t the best, but that’s why we’re here. You know, the whole business plan of this, is to make it a brighter place in general,” he added.
The mall was recently removed from the Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Board’s ban list, though the future of the mall is now in the hands of people like Bertamis working hard to make people feel safe in this space again.
“A lot of hard work, but I think it’s paid off pretty well. As soon as I held the keys in my hand, I was like, ‘Wow, this doesn’t feel real to this day,'” he said.
He and his girlfriend have received support from their families, but not everyone feels the same way.
“We’ve definitely had our fair share of haters, people making fun of us online and everything for even attempting to start a business in this mall. But we’re just honestly trying to ignore them and we’re supporting the people who still come out here and shop here,” said Trujillo.
She told FOX21 News that she grew up coming to the mall, and she wants to see it become the place it once was.
“I, personally, have grown up in this mall since I was a little girl. I used to live right down the street,” said Trujillo. “I know that some places are dangerous, but that’s just how the world is nowadays. Personally, I’ve never had a bad experience at this mall, anywhere you go you never know what’s going to happen. The main factor is just to protect yourself and just bring good vibes everywhere.”
Luckily the duo has received support from their families and Trujillo’s mom Jacqueline Mill said, she couldn’t be more proud.
“My daughter grew up in this community and I couldn’t be prouder… We’ve all got to take a stand and take a step if we want things to change. And that’s exactly what they’re doing,” said Mills.
City Council member Nancy Henjum, who represents the district where the Citadel is located, said she is proud of the duo as well.
“I really couldn’t be happier to hear about this young entrepreneur, this 18-year-old who wants to open a gelato store in the mall. That’s fantastic, I really want to meet him,” said Henjum.
They are also offering sweet deals to local schools and organizations to encourage other young people to chase their dreams and encourage families to return to the mall.
“Anyone who gets good grades will get a reward, and we’re about to talk to some local schools about certificates and gift cards,” said Trujillo.
The mall is hosting a community conversation on Sept. 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to discuss ways to continue improving the mall’s safety.
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