With summer quickly approaching, it is apparent that many people are trying to get in better shape to look good on the beach. As it is widely known, maintaining a good exercise routine and healthy diet are two key ways to accomplish such a task.

The Spot, one of Durham’s newest businesses and located next to Lexie’s Joint, is now open and seeks to provide healthy snacks to those looking for one.

“College students and most people are more in tune with their bodies nowadays and want something that is healthy and makes you feel great without wanting to take a nap after,” said Jon Gozzo, owner of The Spot. “Acai makes you feel good, it’s that simple.”

An acai berry is a small grape-like fruit that is found in the Amazon basin in Brazil. Unlike grapes, acai berries have a less sweet taste and more of a tart flavor.

“It has been consumed by Brazilians for many years and we have partnered with the guys who brought it into the U.S.,” Gozzo said. “It is an imported product, so it is not cheap.”

The acai berry is also known to be a mechanism used for detoxing the body. These processes, which usually use acai berries in pill form, are said to help the users lose weight and feel better about themselves.

“Acai is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, it promotes a healthy mind and body, it energizes you, heals you and makes you feel good all over,” Gozzo said. “There are so many benefits to the acai berry you could write a book on it.”

Gozzo has three shops opened up around the New Hampshire seacoast with the three locations being in Durham, Hampton’s north beach, and at the main beach in Hampton.

“A lot of our summer customers in Hampton are UNH students, alumni and parents, and they have always asked us to come to Durham,” Gozzo said in regards to expanding to Durham. “The fit is natural, it was just a question of the right opportunity and location.”

Lexie’s Joint is owned by a friend of Gozzo’s and told him it would be a good place to have his business.

“They make an excellent burger and we make a spectacular smoothie and acai bowl,” said Gozzo.

When Gozzo opened the location near UNH, he knew his business would be wanted, but he didn’t know what kind of demographic he would be getting until the doors opened.

“We have a diverse market in Durham,” Gozzo said. “We have the students of course, but facility and locals as well, anyone who pays attention to their body is our target.”

Gozzo said he has many athletes coming in after workouts as well as students that stop by before going to study for exams in the library.

“My own children eat acai all day long,” Gozzo said. “They ask for it first thing in the morning.”