Ninibeth Duarte and Manuel Duarte-Arriaza

Co-owners of Frogurt Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt in Santa Fe, New Mexico

As soon as you step foot in Frogurt Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt, colorful decor and a sign that reads “Oh the possibilities!” let you know that you’re in for a treat.  

Ninibeth Duarte and Manuel Duarte-Arriaza, the co-owners of Frogurt Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt, set out to create a fun and welcoming spot for the Santa Fe community. Thanks to a $338,000 Small Business Administration (SBA) loan from DreamSpring, the possibilities that Ninibeth and Manuel saw have become deliciously real.  

With six rotating frozen yogurt flavors made with live, active cultures — some using organic milk — and a toppings bar of more than 20 tempting options, there’s something for everyone. The menu doesn’t stop at froyo. Guests can order acai and Snow Cream bowls, froyo shakes, smoothies, pretzels, and frosted lemonade. 

Ninibeth and Manuel remember the long days and nights they poured into launching Frogurt, having to make ends meet by continuing their jobs as a commercial/residential painter and a teacher. Today, Frogurt has earned a loyal following and “Best of the City” awards year after year, and the owners are in the froyo business full time. 

They say their recipe for success comes down to great ingredients and making every guest feel valued. "We love the joy and kindness that our store shares with everyone,” Ninibeth and Manuel say. “We believe from our heart that is what life is all about."