19-year-old brings Tropical Sno to Western Springs

WESTERN SPRINGS – Nicholas Cozzi, 19, is about to become Western Springs' newest business owner.

Cozzi plans to open his own franchise of Tropical Sno at 3 p.m. Friday at 1062 Hillgrove Ave. The shaved ice company has a location in Willow Springs that Cozzi often visited growing up.

"I've always wanted to own my own business ever since I was little," said Cozzi, a Nazareth Academy graduate who finished his freshman year at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, this month. "This year it finally became a reality."

His store will offer 24 flavors of shaved ice – including his favorite mix, Tiger's Blood (strawberry and coconut) – and will be open from either 11 a.m. or noon until 11 p.m. every day, closing earlier on Sundays. The iced treats will be served to-go, but Cozzi said he is trying to get the village to allow outdoor seating.

Cozzi, who is studying computer information systems and finance, has worked two to three jobs since he was 16 to earn enough money to open Tropical Sno.

Cozzi posted a notice on Facebook and received 50 job applications, which he is currently considering. He plans to employ about 10-15 people.