Jeremiah Gilliam, 6, makes a pina colada flavored Slurpee at the opening of the 7-Eleven on 3800 Tower Rd. in Aurora. Photo by Ali C. M. Watkins/Sentinel Colorado 
Etenesh Tesfu, 7-Eleven franchisee, checks out customers during the grand opening of the 3800 Tower Rd. location in Aurora on June 27. Photo by Ali C. M. Watkins/Sentinel Colorado 
Ethan Belcher, sign spinner from AArrow Sign Spinners, tries to attract customers to the 7-Eleven at 3800 Tower Rd. that opened on June 27. Photo by Ali C. M. Watkins/Sentinel Colorado 
Maria Reyes enjoys a free cherry Slurpee at the opening of the 3800 Tower Rd. 7-Eleven location. Photo by Ali C. M. Watkins/Sentinel Colorado 
Jeremiah Gilliam, 6, tastes test a Slurpee at the opening of the 7-Eleven on 3800 Tower Rd. in Aurora. Photo by Ali C. M. Watkins/Sentinel Colorado
AURORA | Etenesh Tesfu emigrated from Ethiopia in 2000 and got a job at an Aurora 7-Eleven. Now she owns one.
In fact, she and her husband Zek Tesfu, opened their second 7-Eleven franchise this week.
“It’s all about community,” said Zek. “You won’t believe how many people come and, like, try to meet us here.”
The Tesfu’s new store at 3800 Tower Road. in the Green Valley Ranch neighborhood, celebrated a grand opening with free small Slurpees, coffee and Big Gulps. There were discounted pizza slices and hot dogs and even games. Sponsors set up booths outside to greet customers, like Colorado Lottery, Monster Energy and KS1075. The Denver Broncos mascot Miles came to visit and take photos with families.
Etenesh worked her way up from cashier to assistant manager, to manager to 7-Eleven franchisee. The other location the couple owns is in Commerce City.
Jullian Garcia, 4-years-old, spent his summer morning and afternoon at the grand opening. His tongue turned blue from the blue raspberry Slurpee he sipped on. When he found out that there would be a new location, his father Joseph Garcia promised Jullian that he would take him to the event. According to Joseph, his son has always loved the place.
“So he was always saying ‘They’re gonna build my 7-Eleven,’” said Joseph. “He loves Slurpees, pizza, anything from 7-Eleven.”