Mark Useman News Today

Two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants and retailers appear to have fared better in 2022 — though they still had their share of problems.

Colorado Springs commercial real estate market remains relatively strong two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic — though one segment of the commercial landscape is struggling.

Colorado Springs commercial real estate market remains relatively strong two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic — though one segment of the commercial landscape is struggling.

From left, Herminio Martin, Jenny McKinley, Mike Hernandez and Shirley Hernandez work last week at Santanas Vegan Grill in Colorado Springs. The vegan and vegetarian grill, which started out in 2017 in a small, kiosk-like building in a shopping center parking lot, expanded the next year to a former Taco Bueno at 3220 Austin Bluffs Parkway. CHANCEY BUSH, THE GAZETTE

Black Eyed Pea, known as a comfort-food restaurant, closed southwest of Interstate 25 and Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs after failing to reach a new lease agreement. A second location remains open in the Citadel Crossing shopping center northeast of Academy Boulevard and Platte Avenue. RICH LADEN, THE GAZETTE

Black Eyed Pea, known as a comfort-food restaurant, closed southwest of Interstate 25 and Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs after failing to reach a new lease agreement. A second location remains open in the Citadel Crossing shopping center northeast of Academy Boulevard and Platte Avenue. RICH LADEN, THE GAZETTE