By Mandy McFarland Enquirer Coordinator
BREMEN — While it has been a fixture in the Bremen community for decades, the Bremen Theater recently underwent some changes, giving its facade a brand-new feel.

These upgrades, the work of owner Ijinio Flores and his father, Daniel, recently earned the theater the Pride in Bremen Award. Flores accepted the award at the Jan. 25 meeting of the Bremen Town Council.
“I really appreciate the fact that people have liked what we’ve done, our appearance, that we’re trying to spruce up the downtown,” Flores said.
Aside from the faded pink awning, the color scheme has remained much the same, with brand-new green siding with easy-to-read lettering.
“I thought about changing it, going with a different color,” Flores said, “but everybody’s used to the green.”
Flores has owned the theater for 10 years this September. His goal is to upgrade a little at a time, as he can. Two years ago, that included replacing the old seating with new seats that included cup holders, though theater customers can still see two rows of the old seats in the back. Other interior upgrades have included new carpet and a new green and white color scheme on the walls, which matches the theater’s facade. The lobby has also had some upgrades.
“A lot of people (say) it looks real nice,” Flores said. “I think people do appreciate that we’re trying.”
Flores also expressed appreciation for his dad, who played a major role in getting the work done.
“Without him, I’d have never been able to do that,” he said.
According to Flores, keeping the Bremen Theater running smoothly has been a joint effort on behalf of him and his entire family. Often nieces and nephews, parents and siblings will show up for a visit, and there is always plenty for them to do.
“If they do, and we’re busy, I put them to work,” Flores said. “Without my family there’s no way we’d be able to do it!”