A Sea Of Red

Wondering if anyone else has noticed the omnipresence of all these new frozen yogurt shops springing up? http://www2.newsadvance.com/business/20 ... r-1388261/

I've indulged at Sweet Frog across from campus, and the first one I saw a while back was in Greensboro and naturally tried it. Now we have one near where I live in NC called Yoforia. Then this past weekend, I saw (and visited) two more versions in NC/SC: Yobe and Tutti Frutti. Now Spoon Me and Yogurt Yeti?

They all appear to be based on about the same business model with funky flavors and topping bar, and I assume most of them are franchises although maybe some are independent. It seems odd there are so many different versions of the same thing. Everybody must be jumping on the bandwagon. Over-saturation? No problem here. I have an accommodating sweet tooth, and I really like those over-sized ginormous blackberries on the topping buffet.

And of course you have Purple Penguin brought to us by two FFers, BrysOn_G and JDUB down in NC..seems frozen yogurt is the hot franchise opportunity these days

Been there, done that. It's like the early 90's all over again.

BJWilliams wrote:And of course you have Purple Penguin brought to us by two FFers, BrysOn_G and JDUB down in NC..

One is near Raleigh? Where is the other?

The Purple Penguin is right next to Burlington in Graham.

Several have opened up down here in the last year or so. It's sold by weight so you load up as much toppings as you want and pay on your way out.

It's good but this IMO is what you call a trend.

we are such a stupid society. its basically golden coral buffet with mediocre yogurt.

yeah, but those giant berries...

From the class of 09 wrote:It's good but this IMO is what you call a trend.

More of a fad. Greenville, NC (pretty similar to Lburg) has nine yogurt shops- and we are getting our fifth. In a class I teach, I use the yogurt movement pretty regularly as an example of how entrepreneurial types can get wrapped up in the next hot thing. I have a friend that has invested in several and the common thought is to exit within five years; she doesn't see much of a future outside of that time frame. Maybe yogurt is the lawn care of the restaurant world.

This thread makes me hungry.

Makes me want to start a "Let's talk about sandwhiches!" thread.

Roanoke started with Frogurt, then Sweet Frogs and Purple Penguin both opened up in the valley as well. I think some others may be on the way. Haven't seen any in the VaBeach/Norfolk area...then again haven't really looked either LOL.

ATrain wrote: Haven't seen any in the VaBeach/Norfolk area...then again haven't really looked either LOL.

There's a Sweet Frog on the Boardwalk in VA Beach

Yogurt needs some more merchandising. That's where the money's at!

I like yogurt ok, but this just seems like you're paying for overpriced candy. Maybe that's just when you have kids.

ATrain wrote:Roanoke started with Frogurt, then Sweet Frogs and Purple Penguin both opened up in the valley as well. I think some others may be on the way. Haven't seen any in the VaBeach/Norfolk area...then again haven't really looked either LOL.

Purple Penguin is not in the valley.

JDUB, isn't Purple Penguin a two-man operation in Graham, NC only and NOT a franchise (yet)?

Cider Jim wrote:JDUB, isn't Purple Penguin a two-man operation in Graham, NC only and NOT a franchise (yet)?

correct.

Of course, if all goes well ...

good friends of our family opened up a similar yogurt shop in souix city, SD. its raking in the dough.

I hope they're investing that dough. Because if Lynchburg is any indication 4 more identical shops are on their way to Souix City.

he's hoping to open up a few in the area. his ultimate goal is to do this for about 5 years, sell, retire. he's 50 right now. he was the cfo for one of the largest readymix companies in the midwest.

Not out of bias because I'm in the business, but one part of our thought process before opening PP was that ice cream has never gone out of style, so could something that's better for you and tastes the same be a fad? Hopefully not.

good to see ya and best wishes on the bid-niz

Not many on this board know, but another yogurt shop is opening it's doors officially on Saturday at 11AM. bloop frozen yogurt is having it's Grand Opening on Saturday for it's Wyndhurst Location. It's across the street from where the Old Creamery used to be and will be giving 20 people free yogurt for a year!!!!! It's different - come see for yourself. Better Yogurt for a Better Reason... http://www.bloopfrozenyogurt.com. Hope to see some FlameFans out on Saturday!!!!

2nd location in Candlers Station opening February 4th 3 more locations to be announced soon - don't worry they aren't in Lynchburg







Don't forget to "like" bloop on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/BloopFrozenYogurt