Penguin’s Frozen Yogurt in South Pasadena Has Closed

Fro-yo girl here. Penguin’s Frozen Yogurt in South Pasadena is now permanently closed. The first time I visited a few years ago, the chocolate dip tasted terrible and waxy, so I didn’t go back for a few years. I didn’t realize that ownership changed in 2015. Before 2015, the same people owned the Penguin’s in La Canada Flintridge and South Pasadena. 

I knew times were tough during the coronavirus, so I went back a few months ago and bought two takeout cups of peanut butter froyo. The froyo wasn’t the best ever but service was pleasant and they had many flavors of froyo to choose from and even ice cream, froyo cakes, froyo pies, muffins, cookies, sundaes, floats, shakes, smoothies, and Peet’s coffee. They were open early, so you could even get froyo for breakfast. And they had free wi-fi, easy parking, and plenty of places to sit, including outdoors.

It looks like the closure occurred in late July. I think I went in early July. The sign is still there, so I didn’t notice anything when driving by (I drive by that area often). The contents have been removed. There was no sign on the door explaining the closure. This leaves one froyo shop in South Pasadena, Menchie’s. Menchie’s South Pasadena is only open Friday-Sunday now and they only offer 6 flavors now.

Penguin’s was once of the largest froyo chains in California, peaking at 123 locations. It filed for bankruptcy in 1991. The only locations left are in Westwood and Marina Del Rey (Los Angeles). Penguin’s La Canada closed in 2018, Torrance in 2014, and Redondo Beach in 2015.

Penguin’s Frozen Yogurt, 1105 Fair Oaks Ave., South Pasadena, CA 91030

You know you love me. X0 X0, fro-yo girl.

Looking for more frozen yogurt news, discussion boards, and resources? Check out the International Frozen Yogurt Association website at http://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.