Frozen Yogurt: Swirl Culture
September 26, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO — Every so often, a major trend sweeps across the Bay Area food industry creating buzz and a cult following. Right now, it’s frozen yogurt, or fro-yo, and Asian entrepreneurs are leading the charge.
The new trend of frozen yogurt has grown from the attention larger corporate frozen yogurt companies, such as Red Mango and Pinkberry, have gained in the past few years.
One reason for the growth of frozen yogurt businesses is the relatively low costs—the major investment is the frozen yogurt machine. But high gas prices coupled with bad weather have resulted in slimmer margins for operators as well as correlated to poor business.
Most the Bay Area frozen yogurt shops have minimalist decor and attract mainly students and young professionals. While traditional frozen yogurt stores such as TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) feature a creamy yogurt, the new fro-yo shops offer the perfect level of tartness, just enough to excite the palate without creating an overpowering sour taste.
After graduating from UC Berkeley, Roy Lam toiled away for a hi-tech company but then found his true calling by starting Tuttimelon, which now has several locations in the Bay Area. Lam believes that his fat-free yogurt helps improve the diet with the help of probiotics, dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeasts.
“The hardest part of being an entrepreneur is to know every aspect of a business including technical, legal issues, marketing, strategy, finance and operations,” Lam said. Patrons can enjoy a cup of frozen yogurt (more on the tart side) while relaxing amidst vibrant green walls.
Andy Choi’s frozen yogurt and cereal shop, Jubili, was derived from a project for a business class at UC Davis. Jubili imports and manufactures its own private-label frozen yogurt and sorbet mix from Italy. The smooth texture excites the palate, pairing well with the trendy minimalist decor.
Only twenty-four-years-old, Choi’s entrepreneurial itch began early, starting his first business at age fourteen. Currently on his seventh business venture, Choi admits that finding proper funding and partners were the biggest challenges. As the son of a pastor, Choi learned from his father that creativity is paramount, but business structure is critical.
Unless you’re on an extreme budget, skip the frozen yogurt at Quickly’s. Attractively priced at only 59 cents, the texture is on the creamier side, but the yogurt, developed with a joint partnership with Dreyer’s, misses the mark. On two occasions, the yogurt had bites of miniature ice pieces, making the yogurt watery in texture.
Located on San Mateo’s restaurant row, owner Catherine Chen is an innovator, integrating a refresh bar into her hi-end optometry practice. Patrons relax in a modern elegance at the 16-foot communal table or designer ottomans. Chen serves natural fat-free yogurt with active cultures and antioxidant-rich teas. The noticeably frosty temperature and full-bodied texture make this place one of my favorites for frozen yogurt. Aside from offering fresh fruits, her custom-made flavored, cubed mochi steals the show. Fresh shaved dark chocolate further adds to the experience.
Chen advises entrepreneurs to choose their employees wisely, since they represent the company. Additionally, Chen believes the key to keeping employee turnover minimal is to create a positive and fun working environment. Chen said, “With a soft economy, high gas and food prices, and fierce competition, making your store stand out is key.”
Visit Campusfork.com for full interview notes and for more food reviews.
Tuttimelon
tuttimelon.com
44 West Portal Ave
(between Claremont Blvd
& Portola Dr)
San Francisco, CA 94127
2150 Irving St
(between 22nd Ave & 23rd Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94122
2240 Chestnut St
San Francisco, CA, 94123
……….
Jubili
jubili.com
1515 Fillmore St
(between Geary Blvd
& Ofarrell St)
San Francisco, CA 94115
……….
Clear Optometry
138 E 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 348-8818
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please send us a quotation of your frozen yogurt machines
Great article!