Business & Tech

Leaving The Casino To Follow A Dream In Groton

After 20 years at a steady job, a casino shift manager takes a chance at running his own business.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Greg Kosma walked out of his job at Foxwoods Resort Casino after 20 years. Just like that, it was over.

He’d been thinking about it for a long time. He had an idea to start a business selling frozen yogurt, but it was a risk. Finally, he rented a store in Groton, spent his savings making it what he wanted and left his job.

His shop, “Frogeez,” opens today in the mall across from Big Y near Starbucks.

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“I took a chance,” said Kosma, 38. “I’m walking away from a great salary and benefits and everything. I’m searching for happiness. That’s what I’m looking for.”

Kosma, of Griswold, started at age 18 at the casino, first dealing cards and working his way up to assistant casino shift manager.

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But he was unhappy doing it. “I always wanted to walk away from something and feel good about it,” he said.

In 2010, he went back to school at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich to study business. Then in February, 2011, he registered an LLC with the state.

His wife, Melissa, said she encouraged him when he raised the idea of starting a business. But on some level, she said it also didn't seem real. Then he found an empty store to rent.

“I was nervous, very nervous,” said Melissa Kosma, who works in administration at Pfizer. “But again, we were just so sick of the casino life and not having a life together, that I think it was worth the risk.”

The couple has two daughters, ages 11 and 13.

Kosma looked in Lisbon, Mystic and Waterford before signing the lease in Groton. He said the store vacancy wasn't advertised, but he spotted it, reached out to the landlord and drew up plans.

He designed the shop with a pink, green and white color scheme. The name “Frogeez” comes from his nickname "Frogee," as a boy. 

The store offers four self-serve frozen yogurt machines with up to three flavors each. Customers may mix as many as they want, Kosma said.

He has about 60 flavors to choose from, though he’ll sell 12 at a time. Some of the options: Cupcake, pomegranate energy boost, rocky road and vanilla. He’ll also have candy dispensers and fresh fruit.

Finished creations, regardless of what they hold, cost 49 cents an ounce.

The store will be open year round.

“I believe it’s one of a kind," he said. "There’s nothing like this out here. And it’s got great health aspects to it.”

Kosma said he doesn’t know what will happen; but he believes in what he’s doing.

“I’m trying to beat the odds,” he said.

Frogeez is open from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and on Sunday; and from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.


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