Mosqueda Delicacies Ice Cream & More | Fort Morgan, CO
Driven by a shared love for ice cream and desserts, sisters-in-law Gloria and Blanca Mosqueda founded Mosqueda Delicacies in Fort Morgan. While the ice cream shop attracts visitors from around the world today, their bumpy start almost kept this town gem from opening.
The Mosqueda’s’ encountered numerous health and zoning regulations that threatened to derail their dream. Undeterred, they sought help from the SBDC and began working with Advisor Merle Rhoades from the East CO SBDC. Rhoades provided essential guidance, assisting them in navigating zoning issues, creating a strategic plan, conducting financial analysis, and implementing key business and marketing strategies, enabling them to open in 2016.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges. Like many small businesses, Mosqueda Delicacies struggled to survive. They adapted with curbside delivery but soon realized they needed further support to stay afloat. Once again, they turned to the SBDC, who helped them secure local grants to sustain their operations.
In the summer of 2021, after struggling to pay bills and working without pay, they sought advice from Rhoades again. Initially planning to sell the business, a financial analysis showed they would gain little from selling the buildings and equipment. Instead, they decided to keep the business, raising prices and cutting store hours, with just two employees running the shop.
In 2022, they received a major boost when Mosqueda Delicacies was selected for HGTV’s “Fort Morgan, CO” Home Town Take Over (Season 2). The renovation and national exposure helped transform the business into a beloved destination in Fort Morgan, amplified by SBDC support and a growing network of mentors.
For more information, visit Mosqueda Delicacies Ice Cream & More.
“The guidance from the SBDC has been the cherry on top of our success sundae—thank you for helping our dreams scoop higher!”
Gloria & Blanca Mosqueda, Co-owners
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