Bringing to Bogalusa something that was formerly a bigger-city treat, Sami’s Frozen Yogurt is now open at 804 Sabine St.

The shop, which has been in business since Dec. 17, offers frozen yogurt, smoothies, slushies and frozen coffee, said Samantha Seal, manager, and the business’s namesake.

The frozen yogurt is self-serve. Once customers make their choice among a variety of flavor options, they can pick from numerous toppings, including fresh fruit, candy and more.

Seal said yogurt shops are available in places such as Covington, but there was previously not one in her hometown of Bogalusa. The family-run Sami’s has brought that option to the city, she said.

“We all love frozen yogurt, and the closest one is about an hour away,” she said. “Nobody wants to drive that far to get some yogurt.”

The idea for the business, owned by Samantha Seal’s parents, George and Susan Seal, came about during a vacation to Florida, when the family frequented a yogurt shop there.

“We went every night,” George Seal said. “When we came home, Samantha decided that was something she wanted to do, and we made it happen.”

Seal said he is pleased with the way customers have responded to the business and the community support it has received.

“The local support’s been good so far,” he said. “We’re having a lot of repeat business, and then we’re getting some new faces every day.”

With the new Walmart Superstore opening just around the corner next month, Seal said he thinks he has a good location. In opening Sami’s on Sabine Street, he said his family is trying to help develop the area, and he hopes to see more new businesses arise nearby.

A grand opening for the yogurt shop is being planned for this spring.

The business is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.