Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Results of the 2021 National Frozen Yogurt Consumer and Shop Owner Surveys


Fro-yo girl here. The results of the annual National Frozen Yogurt Survey, sponsored by the 
International Frozen Yogurt Association, are in. There were two survey versions, one for frozen yogurt consumers and another for frozen yogurt shop owners. The consumer survey was open in September and the shop owner survey in October. 

The purpose of the surveys was to better understand the state of the US frozen yogurt market from the perspective of consumers and shop owners. The results were also compared with last year’s results to capture trends over time.

The National Frozen Yogurt Shop Owner Survey and the National Frozen Yogurt Consumer Survey are the only national surveys to address the state of the frozen yogurt industry from viewpoint of customers and shop owners. The shop owner survey provides shop owners with benchmarks for assessing how they compare to other shops.

Frozen Yogurt Consumer Survey


This past September, we invited frozen yogurt consumers in the United States over 13 years old to participate in an online survey about frozen yogurt. Specifically, the survey was designed to measure loyalty, brand attitudes towards major frozen yogurt chains, frozen yogurt preferences, what consumers are looking for from frozen yogurt shops, current and future consumption (including what might make them visit froyo shops more often), and attitudes. 
There were 255 responses received from 44 states. The respondents were younger this year.

Interestingly, the 2021 survey found that respondents had returned to consuming froyo at the same frequency as before the pandemic. Cleanliness, which was the most important shop attribute in 2020, was #2 in 2021. When asked about their favorite shop, Pinkberry ranked #1. Concern with cost/value was mentioned more often this year. We found some lingering effects of the pandemic but also a return to pre-pandemic behaviors and attitudes.

The full results are available for $150. To order the report or for more information, please contact info@internationalfrozenyogurt.com

A limited set of results is available for IFYA members in the members only Resources section of our website.

Frozen Yogurt Shop Owner Survey

Last month, we launched the 2021 National Frozen Yogurt Shop Owner Survey. The anonymous online survey asked frozen yogurt shop owners in the US about operational practices, shop and owner characteristics, supplier satisfaction, concerns, and shop performance. We added two new questions, one about profitability and another about pricing.

The typical respondent owned one frozen yogurt shop and was not part of a franchise. The respondent/owner was also usually the main manager of the business. Thirty-two responses were received.

We found that most shops had returned to self-serve and recovered from the pandemic. Respondents were very concerned about rising costs. One in three respondents reported that they lost money during 2020. Most are satisfied with their soft serve machines and soft serve mix suppliers.

The full results are available for $150. To order the report or for more information, please contact at info@internationalfrozenyogurt.com.

Survey respondents received the full survey results. A limited set of results is available for IFYA members in the members only Resources > IFYA Research section of the IFYA website.

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.

Saturday, November 27, 2021

New Yogurtland Flavor: Sugar Plum Berry Tart & Cyber Monday Deal

 



Fro-yo girl here. Yogurtland has a new flavor for the holidays: Sugar Plum Berry Tart frozen yogurt. Yes, it’s a tart froyo flavor – yay! Yogurtland describes the new flavor as follows: “Made with real plum and berries, our new frozen yogurt flavor will bring the magic to your holidays!” The froyo is made with marionberries.

Sugar Plum Berry Tart froyo: The froyo is a pretty shade of vibrant pink. It looks like Yogurtland’s Dragon Passion Tart froyo and the flavor reminds me of Dragon Passion Tart as well. It’s fairly tangy. I think I tasted the plum first, then the berry notes. The texture was very thick and smooth. I liked it but I think I prefer single fruit flavor froyo vs. a blend of fruits. Recommended toppings: Fresh berries, mochi, raspberry or mixed berry puree

Did you ever wonder what a Christmas sugar plum is? It’s not a type of plum but a candy made with dried fruit, nuts, and spices pulverized into small balls and rolled in sugar. I’ve never had one or even seen one. The Spruce Eats even has a recipe for sugarplum Christmas candy.

Also, Yogurtland has a Cyber Monday deal: Get a $5 bonus card for every $25 eGift Yogurtland card purchase. There’s a limit of 4 bonus cards per order. The bonus cards are good till the end of this year.

And I spotted some red and green holiday sprinkles at Yogurtland.

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.

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

The Definitive List of 2021 Black Friday Froyo Specials

Source: Instagram, @smooy


Fro-yo girl here. Happy Thanksgiving & Black Friday! Most froyo shops are closed on Thanksgiving Day. Some are closed all Thanksgiving week.

While froyo shops are resting, I’ve been busy finding Black Friday froyo specials. And here they are, in alphabetical order.

  • 16 Handles (New City, NY): Get a $100 gift card for $50 in store on 11/26/21
  • 32 Below Frozen Yogurt (Idaho): $25 gift cards are $20, $50 gift cards are $40 from 11/20 – 11/30
  • Big Spoon Yogurt (Natomas, CA): Half off gift cards, $10 minimum on 11/26/21
  • Chill Zone (NM): $5 fill up (up to 16 oz) on 11/26/21
  • Chills Froyo (Kennewick, WA): Buy a $25 gift card and get a $5 gift card for free from 11/26 - 11/28/2021
  • Farmhouse Froyo (TX): On 11/26/21, buy $75 in gift cards, get a $15 card for free, buy $100 in gift cards, get a $25 card for free
  • Froyo Fresh (Tampa, FL): Enjoy 10% off all purchases from 5 PM on 11/26 – 10 PM on 11/28, plus buy gift cards for extra rewards (e.g., buy a $25 gift card, get an extra $5)
  • llaollao (Singapore): Black charcoal froyo is available from 11/26 - 11/29/2021
  • llaollao (El Salvador): Get an extra free topping on Black Friday
  • Local Scoop (Cape Cod, MA): $5 any size frozen dessert, 25% off local goods on 11/26 - 11/27
  • Marcel’s (South Africa): Return of limited edition Black flavour froyo
  • Menchie's Point Fosdick Square (Gig Harbor, WA): $6 fill your cup special on 11/26 
  • Milk & Honey (Marianna, FL): Buy four $5 gift cards and get 1 free on 11/26
  • Monster Yogurt (Dallas, TX): 20% off all retail on 11/26-11/27
  • Oguava: Enjoy 20% off new drinks on 11/26/2021
  • OMG Yogurt Store (Wall, NJ): Buy a $25 gift card, get a $5 gift card for free from 11/22 – 11/26
  • Orange Leaf (Mustang, OK): Enjoy 25% off all day on 11/26
  • Pinkberry (Nigeria): 50% off medium and midi to go cups on Fridays in November, valid online only
  • Pinkberry (Peru): Enjoy 1 crepe & 1 small Pinkberry for a special price on 11/26
  • RedBerry (Yardley, PA): 10% off on 11/26/21
  • Sincerely Yogurt: Buy a $25 gift card for only $15 on 11/26/21
  • Smooy (Spain): 30% discount on classic tubs on 11/26/21
  • Spoons Frozen Yogurt (Roanoke, VA): 10% off every purchase on Black Friday and 11/27
  • Sugarberry (MI): 20% off froyo and bubble tea on 11/26
  • Summersweet Frozen Yogurt (Colorado Springs, CO): 25% off on Black Friday
  • Sweet Waves (Mashpee, MA): 10% off all orders on 11/24, open from 8 PM – 2 AM
  • Sweetkiwi (Nigeria): BOGO free from 11/26 - 11/30
  • sweetFrog (US): Loyalty members enjoy 2 small cups for $10 during Black Friday weekend
  • TCBY Moss Bluff (Lake Charles, LA): On 11/26, $10 gift cards are on sale for $5
  • Ultimate Yogurt (CA): Get a $40 gift card for $20 on Black Friday and December 1 - 3.
  • Yo Gainz (Australia): 20% off in-store purchases during Black Friday weekend
  • The Yog Bar (UK): 40% off in store, 10% off online
  • Yogen Fruz (Guatemala): 2x1 sale during Black Week
  • Yogen Fruz (Panama): Get a free 6 oz mix it when you purchase aa 16 oz mix it or top it from 11/23 – 11/28
  • Yogurt Beach (Naperville, IL): $5 flat rate cup on 11/26
  • Yogurt Mill (Central CA): Free $5 gift card when you buy a $25 gift card on 11/26
  • Yogurtini (Plaza, Overland Park, Shoal Creek): Spend $20, get a $5 gift card on Black Friday
  • Yogurtland South Coast Plaza & Chino Hills: 12 days of yuletide promotion starts on Black Friday, get your discount card with a minimum $10 purchase
  • Yole (Singapore): 40% off a medium cup on 11/26/21
  • Yotopia (Iowa City, IA): 20% off egift cards on 11/26-11/27 with purchase of $25+ in gift cards
  • Yozen (Cyprus): 50% discount on your order only on Bolt Food on 11/26
  • Yum Frozen Yogurt (Hornell, NY): $5 fill up all day on 11/26 and get a $10 gift card for $8, no limit

I’ll update this list a few times. You can also view Black Friday froyo specials on this Pinterest board, https://www.pinterest.com/froyogirl/black-friday-froyo-specials/

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.

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

It’s Boba Time To Move Into Old Menchie’s Alhambra Space


Fro-yo girl here. The signs are up; boba chain, It’s Boba Time, is taking over the old Menchie’s Alhambra space at 9 E Main Street. It’s Boba Time started in 2003. Some of their locations used to offer soft serve frozen yogurt, including the one in Koreatown LA and Eagle Rock. I haven’t seen froyo at their shops in years, so I’m not sure if any of them still offer froyo. Their website and online menu do not mention froyo. They added acai bowls at some point.

I’ve been to many boba shops. It’s Boba Time isn’t that good. I’ve even had their froyo and it wasn’t good. There are better boba shops in downtown Alhambra.

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.

Thursday, November 18, 2021

Menchie’s Glendale Space Has Been Leased


Fro-yo girl here. That was quick. Menchie’s closed in Glendale, California in early October after 4.5 years. They removed the soft serve machines. The sign in the window says the space has been leased. You can still see the Menchie’s chalkboard and counters inside. Wonder what it will become?

MENCHIE’S GLENDALE: 251 N Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91203

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.

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Pinkberry Burbank Is Under New Ownership



Fro-yo girl here. Pinkberry Burbank was the only self-serve Pinkberry still open in Southern California but during COVID, they switched to full service. That wasn’t surprising since just about every self-serve froyo shop switched to full service. Most have returned to self-serve but Pinkberry Burbank has not. It turns out that the ownership changed during COVID-19 and it’s unclear when or if self-serve will return.

Prices went up. They charged 49 cents an ounce for many years. It’s now 65 cents an ounce. Yes, they still charge by the ounce even though you can’t serve your own froyo. The original tart had great texture, but the associate put big scoops of toppings in my cup. I have to say all my trips to Pinkberry Burbank this year have been positive but I got a very icy cup of froyo last year. Things seem to have improved!

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

* PINKBERRY BURBANK: 120 E Palm Ave, Burbank, CA 91502

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.

Sunday, November 14, 2021

New Menchie’s Featured Flavors: Chocolate Hazelnut Pie & Cinnamon Graham Cracker



Fro-yo girl here. Menchie’s locations in the Los Angeles area took forever to put in this month’s featured flavors. I finally found both at Menchie’s in Encino. And they’re allowing samples again (yay)!

Chocolate Hazelnut Pie froyo is described as, “Our rich Hershey’s Hazelnut Pie froyo flavor is decadent, delicious, and the perfect dessert to start celebrating Thanksgiving early!” This lowfat flavor is made with no artificial colors and no artificial flavors. Also, it’s made with Hershey’s Milk Chocolate. It was creamy and smooth. I think the flavor is less intense/less rich than Nutella but I liked that it was more mellow. Recommended toppings: Chocolate shell, Oreos, almonds.

Cinnamon Graham Cracker froyo is made with Honey Maid graham crackers. Menchie’s describes it as, “Is there a better combo than cinnamon and graham crackers? Yes! Cinnamon and graham crackers swirled together as Menchie’s froyo! Order our featured Cinnamon Graham Cracker froyo flavor this month and enjoy the yumm!” It’s lowfat and made with no artificial flavors. I was a big fan of Menchie’s Golden Graham Cracker froyo, so I was excited to see a new Cinnamon Graham Cracker flavor. However, I didn’t like the new flavor. The cinnamon graham cracker flavor was too strong and the texture seemed almost a little grainy. Recommended toppings: Nilla wafers, Cool Whip, and almonds.

These featured flavors are in stores for a limited time only.

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.

Thursday, November 11, 2021

2021 Veterans Day Froyo Offers

 



Fro-yo girl here. Thank you, vets and active military, for your service to this country. I’ve compiled a list of froyo shops that are honoring veterans with a froyo discount or free froyo for Veterans Day. Here’s the alphabetical list:

  • 3 Spoons (Waco, TX): Enjoy 50% off your froyo on 11/11 with military ID or proof of service
  • CherryBerry (MN): Military get 20% off everyday with a military ID
  • Chills Froyo (Kennewick, WA): Vets get $5 off your order on 11/11
  • Counter Culture (LA): Free regular size Humphrey to all who served at participating locations on 11/11
  • Dessert Queen (Queen Creek, AZ): Vets enjoy 15% off any in-store purchase on 11/11
  • Ella’s Frozen Yogurt (Greenwood, IN): Military service members enjoy free froyo on 11/11
  • Kiwi Yogurt (PA & NJ): Active duty and veterans enjoy 50% off on 11/11 
  • Menchie’s (US locations): Menchie’s continues to its tradition of celebrating vets and active military personnel with 6 oz of free froyo with proof of service (military ID) on Veterans Day, November 11 (at participating locations).
  • Orange Leaf (Alliance, OH): Vets and active duty military get a free cup of froyo when you show your military ID on 11/11
  • Orange Leaf Bulverde (San Antonio, TX): Present your military ID on 11/11 and enjoy 50% off a cup of froyo
  • Orange Leaf Firestone Farms (Columbiana, OH): Vets and active duty military get a free cup of froyo when you show your military ID on 11/11
  • Orange Leaf (Lake Worth, TX): Present your military ID on 11/11 and enjoy 50% off a cup of froyo
  • Orange Leaf (Lufkin, TX): Vets get a free 5 oz cup of froyo on 11/11 with military ID
  • Orange Leaf (Mustang, OK): Present your military ID on 11/11 and enjoy 50% off a cup of froyo
  • Orange Leaf Council Bluff (Omaha, NE): Present your military ID on 11/11 and enjoy 50% off a cup of froyo
  • Orange Leaf (Owensboro, KY): Vets receive 50% off a cup of froyo on 11/11
  • Orange Leaf (New Braunfels, TX): Present your military ID on 11/11 and enjoy 50% off a cup of froyo
  • Orange Leaf (Saugus, MA): Present your military ID on 11/11 and enjoy 50% off a cup of froyo
  • Orange Leaf Southpark (Austin, TX): Present your military ID on 11/11 and enjoy 50% off a cup of froyo
  • Orange Leaf (Washington, MO): Show your military ID on 11/11 and enjoy a free small cup
  • Spoon Café (Williamstown, MA): Vets & active military get a free small froyo with two toppings all day on November 11
  • Sweet Cheeks (Sioux Falls, SD): Vets and active military get 50% off on 11/11, must show military ID
  • sweetFrog (Findlay, OH) Vets get a free cup of froyo ($5 value) all day on 11/11
  • sweetFrog Garrisonville (Stafford, VA): Show your military ID on 11/11 and get 25% off your entire purchase
  • sweetFrog (Hickory, NC): Vets and active military get a free 8 oz cup on 11/11
  • TCBY (US locations): Vets and active military enjoy 6 oz of free froyo on November 11 at participating locations with military ID or proof of service
  • Yogi Castle (Ellicott City, MD): 50% off for vets and active duty military on 11/11 with valid military ID
  • Yogurt Breeze (Lake Nona, FL): 20% off for all who have served on 11/11
  • Yogurtini Shoal Creek (Kansas City, MO): Vets eat free on 11/11
  • Yum Frozen Yogurt (Hornell, NY): For all who served, enjoy a special BOGO 50% off offer on 11/11

I will update the list as I come across new offers.

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.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Alhambra, California Froyo Guide

Menchie's Alhambra


Fro-yo girl here. Alhambra, California has had its share of froyo shops, more so than most places. Both Yogurtland and Menchie’s opened locations in Alhambra. The Yogurtland location was the last froyo shop open in Alhambra.

Closed Froyo Shops & Other Places that Served Froyo
  • A Tea Yogurt, 137 W Main St., took over the Bluecherry space. I remember getting a froyo taco there. It was open from 2013-2014.
  • Bluecherry Yogurt Bar, 137 W Main St, opened as a counter-serve froyo shop in 2007. They also served yogurt drinks and non-frozen Beijing-style refrigerated yogurt. It closed in 2013.
  • CrèmeBee, 137 W Main St., took over the Splash Yogurt space in 2015. At the time, milk soft serve with fresh honeycomb, was trendy and they were the first soft serve with honeycomb shop in the area. CrèmeBee closed in 2015.
  • LOHAS Fresh Mart, 300 W Main St., Ste 120, was an upscale Asian grocery store with an in-store deli. The deli offered bento boxes, fresh juice, soy milk, smoothies, and salads. In 2016, they started offering organic froyo. They had one flavor and no toppings. LOHAS opened in 2015 and closed in 2019.
  • Menchie’s, 9 E Main St, opened in 2011 and closed quietly in 2020, during the pandemic. It was near the movie theater. This location was usually very late at putting out the new froyo flavors.
  • PinGo Yogurt, 358 W Valley Blvd, was an early counter-serve froyo shop that opened in 2007 and closed in 2009. It had a similar concept to Pinkberry. PinGo also had a shop in Arcadia.
  • Silver Spoon Yogurt Obsession, 401 W Main St., was a self-serve froyo shop. I’m not sure when it opened or closed. It may have opened in 2008.
  • Splash Tea & Yogurt, 137 W Main St., took over the A Tea Yogurt space in late 2014. It couldn’t have lasted long because Crème Bee took over in 2015.
  • Yogomo, 19 S Garfield Ave., Ste C, was a froyo shop located across the street from Alhambra High School. The shop opened in 2008 and was probably open for just a year.
  • Yogurtland, 1 E Valley Blvd, had the typical 16 self-serve froyo flavors and toppings that you’ll find at most Yogurtland locations. It was also cheaper than most YL locations in this area. The Alhambra branch opened in April 2009 and closed in October 2021.
And there you have it – the history of froyo in Alhambra, CA. The earliest froyo shops opened in 2007.

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.

Thursday, November 4, 2021

Yogurtland Alhambra Has Closed




Fro-yo girl here. I didn’t see this one coming; Yogurtland has permanently closed the Alhambra, CA location. The last day was 10/25/21. I went earlier in October. I dropped by and the Yogurtland sign behind the shop was gone. The soft serve machines had also been removed.

They posted a message on Facebook: “Thanks for all the love and support at our Alhambra store throughout the years! Unfortunately, we have permanently closed our doors as of 10/25/21. It was a pleasure to serve you.”

Sadly, Yogurtland Alhambra was the last froyo shop in Alhambra. It opened in 2009 and was my regular Yogurtland location. I’ll have to find a new Yogurtland to make my regular spot.

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

YOGURTLAND ALHAMBRA: 1 E Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801

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.

Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Menchie’s Burbank is Moving



Fro-yo girl here. I noticed awhile ago that Menchie’s in Burbank, California was closed. I wasn’t sure what was going on. It turns out that Menchie’s Burbank is moving. They’re staying in the same shopping center and taking over the old Kumon space. That space is right next to their old space. It’s supposed to reopen in the spring of 2022.

The last day at the old space was September 6. They’ve already demolished the inside and reduced it to rubble.

The Menchie’s Burbank shop was just finished with a remodel this year and that remodel took two years (during which time, the shop was open).

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

* MENCHIE’S: 3800 W Verdugo Ave, Burbank, CA 91505

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.