Sherman Oaks, CA Froyo Guide & Froyo History

Fro-yo girl here. Sherman Oaks is a neighborhood of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley. It’s a nice, affluent neighborhood with a population of nearly 70,000 with a median age of 38. There are four places to get froyo in Sherman Oaks today: Humphrey Yogart, Menchie's, Yogurtland and 59th & Lex Cafe inside Bloomingdale's.

Sherman Oaks is important in froyo history because it’s the home of the first Humphrey Yogart, 4574 Van Nuys Blvd. Humphrey Yogart opened in the Sherman Oaks in 1984. They had several locations (six at the peak) in the 80’s and 90’s but Sherman Oaks was the first. The owners met and fell in love at the shop. Humphrey Yogart closed the original location in March 2016 when they could not reach an agreement with the new landlord. Fortunately, they moved into Gelson’s, 4520 Van Nuys Blvd, which is in the same shopping center as their original shop. Humphrey Yogart is known for their mix-in style froyo and their former employee, Meghan Markle, the Dutchess of Sussex.

Sherman Oaks also had two celebrity-owned froyo shops and numerous celebrity froyo sightings.

Froyo Shops Currently Open in Sherman Oaks

• 59th & Lex Cafe, 14060 Riverside Dr, is Bloomingdale’s café. They serve salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, pasta, and their famous Forty Carrots frozen yogurt.
• Humphrey Yogart, 4520 Van Nuys Blvd. inside Gelson's
• Menchie’s, 13369 Ventura Blvd, opened in 2009 and is in its 13th year. It’s not too far from the original Menchie’s in Valley Village, which opened in 2007. Humphrey Yogart is super close to the Menchie’s in Valley Village but it must be near the border of Valley Village and Sherman Oaks.
• Yogurtland, 4954 Van Nuys Blvd, opened in 2008. It was 30 cents an ounce when it first opened. Those were the days!

Closed Froyo Shops

• Blizz Frozen Yogurt, 14439 Burbank Blvd, is listed as being in Sherman Oaks on some sites and Van Nuys on others. This self-serve froyo shop was opened by Dr. Paul Nassif, the famous plastic surgeon and TV personality, in 2010 and it seems to have closed in 2020.
• C&M Café, 12924 Riverside Dr, was a cute brunch spot that had an adjoining room with self-serve froyo and seating. It opened and closed in 2016.
• Frootsi, 14318 Ventura Blvd, was a cupcake, boba, and mix-in style froyo shop that opened in 2010 and closed in 2015.
• Hollyberry, 14425 Ventura Blvd had gelato and counter-serve tart froyo and was in business from 2008 – 2009.
• Limelite, 15030 Ventura Blvd, was a counter-serve shop similar to Pinkberry that was open in 2007.
• Red Mango, 15301 Ventura Blvd, Ste 470 was in Sherman Oaks around 2007.
• Sweetharts, 13704 Ventura Blvd, was founded by Melissa Joan Hart in 2012. The shop sold froyo, gelato, cupcakes, candy, and more. It closed in 2014.
• Swirlz, 14006 Riverside Drive, at Westfield Fashion Square was a self-serve froyo shop that opened in 2010. It’s unclear when they closed.
• Tutti Frutti, 14006 Riverside Drive, was at the Sherman Oaks Westfield Mall in 2010.

Still Open but No Longer Serves Froyo

• Farm Boy, 14107 Riverside Dr, is a small family run produce market known for sushi that used to sell froyo.
• Happy Days Café, 14552 Ventura Blvd, is a churro café that added froyo back in 2019 but they stopped serving froyo at some point.

I remember another self-serve froyo shop in Sherman Oaks but I can’t remember what it was called. Mr. Froyo remembers it too.

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.

Bloomingdale’s Forty Carrots Christmas Ornament

Fro-yo girl here. Merry Christmas! I got the Bloomingdale’s Forty Carrots froyo ornament. It’s a chocolate and vanilla swirl with rainbow-colored sprinkles. Mouth-blown and hand-painted in Poland, the ornament is made out of European glass. It’s about 5 inches high and looks like a Christmas tree in a way. The vanilla part is covered with clear glitter. The sprinkles fall off, unfortunately.

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.

Summer Froyo Creation Photo Contest Ends Soon, Win Free Froyo

Fro-yo girl here. This year’s summer photo contest from the International Frozen Yogurt Association invites froyo fans to share their best summer froyo creations for a chance to win an exciting froyo prize package. Two winners will be selected.

To enter, share an original photo of your summer froyo creation on Instagram or Twitter with the tags #summerfroyocreation and #froyoassociation by midnight PST on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Your profile must be public so that we can see your photo. The contest is open to anyone over 13 years of age residing in the US. Multiple entries are allowed.

The prize: 4 pints of Forty Carrots froyo (your choice of flavors) + a toppings kit sent to your home (8 servings). Alternative method of entry by email: Send your lounging at home with froyo photo(s) to info@internationalfrozenyogurt.com by midnight PST on July 21, 2021.

The winners will be announced on Instagram and Twitter on or before July 28, 2021. If the winning entry was submitted via email, the winner will be notified via email. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries.

For the complete contest rules, visit https://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/official-rules-for-the-summer-froyo-creation-contest/

Good luck froyo fans!

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.

IFYA’s Summer Froyo Creation Photo Contest, Win Forty Carrots Froyo + Toppings

Fro-yo girl here. It’s that time again, time for a summer froyo contest from the International Frozen Yogurt Association! This year, the prize is a shipment of Forty Carrots froyo delivered to your door. That’s right – you can skip the trip to Bloomingdale’s NYC and enjoy their froyo, thanks to Goldbelly's nationwide shipping. 

First introduced in 1978, Bloomingdale’s estimates that they’ve served 5 million servings of Forty Carrots froyo. Their froyo is all-natural, kosher, gluten-free, and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

TWO people will win the froyo grand prize.

The prize: 4 pints of Forty Carrots froyo (your choice of flavors) + a toppings kit sent to your home (8 servings).

How to Enter

Share your favorite summer froyo creation photo by posting an original picture with the tags #summerfroyocreation and #froyoassociation on Instagram or Twitter by midnight Pacific Time on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Your profile must be public so that we can see the picture. 

Alternative method of entry by email: Send your summer froyo creation original froyo photo to info@internationalfrozenyogurt.com by midnight PST on July 21, 2020.

The winners will be announced on Instagram and Twitter on or before July 28, 2021. If the winning entry was submitted via email, the winner will be notified via email.

Eligibility 

All US residents 13 and over

The prize will be mailed to US addresses only. Entrants must over 13 years old.

For the complete contest rules, visit https://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/official-rules-for-the-summer-froyo-creation-contest/

Good luck froyo fans!

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.

Westfield Century City Froyo & Frozen Desserts Report 2018

Fro-yo girl here. Westfield unveiled the “new” Westfield Century City shopping center last September. The two-year $1 billion makeover “reconfigured the mall and expanded it by about a third to 1.3 million square feet. About 90% of the stores, including Nordstrom, are new.” 

I used to shop at the Century City mall regularly and when I stepped off the escalator, I could not recognize the old mall. The layout is so different now and most of the stores are different. Bloomindale’s is still there in the same place but everything else seemed different. I remember parking for free for 3 hours. Now you only get one hour of free parking but some stores validate.

I recently visited Westfield Century City. I was curious about the Yogurtland location there, which closed in January for remodeling and reopened in April of this year with a new look. I haven’t seen that look at any other Yogurtland location.

I noticed quite a few unoccupied or maybe I should say not yet open shops on the second floor. The ground floor is almost fully occupied and open for business. The new Westfield Century City has many places to get frozen treats. Here’s a breakdown of the current frozen treat vendors.

Froyo 

Forty Carrots (inside Bloomingdale’s): Their famous frozen yogurt! It’s $6 for a regular, $8 for a large or $4 for a small if purchased with a meal from their café. They have 6 flavors a day. I recommend the plain or peanut butter. You can also get frozen yogurt smoothies. Take your receipt to the first floor to get your parking validated. You get an hour of free parking with validation (on top of the first hour free which everyone gets).

Yogurtland: It’s an attractive looking spot with geometric white and green tiles, grey wall where the froyo machines are, and white toppings bars. The price doubled – it’s now 85 cents an ounce which seems crazy when there are other Yogurtland locations nearby that still charge over 30 cents less per ounce. This is a smaller location, with just 10 self-serve flavors a day. Look for offers on Instagram, @yogurtlandcc. Currently if you check in on Yelp, you get 5 oz free. 

SunLife Organics (?): I didn’t see this shop while I was there, but if it’s like their other locations, they’ll have organic chocolate and vanilla frozen yogurt. From the pictures I saw of this location, it doesn’t seem like they have frozen yogurt. 

Yogen Fruz (?): The Yogen Fruz website lists a location inside the AMC theater at Century City. I forgot to verify whether this location was still open. 

Ice Cream

Halo Top Scoop Shop: This is Halo Top’s second scoop shop. They have soft serve but it’s ice cream. I haven’t tried it yet but I am curious about their bubble waffles, more so than their Stevia sweetened low calorie ice cream. 

Rori’s Artisanal Creamery: Scoopable ice cream, no frozen yogurt

Smitten Ice Cream: Fresh ice cream is made in front of your eyes with liquid nitrogen. I’ve had it in San Francisco where Smitten is from. It’s good stuff and their housemade toppings are excellent as well.

Gelato 

Bacio di Latte: The reviews are very favorable and they have yogurt gelato occasionally. This chain was founded by two brothers in Milan.

Grom: This Italian gelato shop got its start in Italy. They emphasize fresh, high quality ingredients. They do have a yogurt gelato that’s rich and flavorful. I don’t think that flavor is always offered but it’s worth trying if you see it.

Il Gelato (inside Eataly): I didn’t see any yogurt flavor but maybe they have one from time to time?

Dairy-Free Soft Serve 

Pressed Juicery: Yes, this location does have Pressed Freeze, the vegan, plant-based frozen treat from Pressed. Freeze is made with just a few ingredients and no added sugar. It’s 100% fruit, vegetables, and nuts.

This list doesn’t even include the other eateries that serve dessert and the frozen desserts you can buy at Gelson's. Oh, if you want frozen yogurt in Century City, the only place to get some is at Westfield Century City. If you have a car, drive over to Beverly Hills or Westwood Village for more options.

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

* WESTFIELD CENTURY CITY: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles (Century City), CA 90067

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.

New York City Froyo Report

Fro-yo girl here. New York City has always been a trendsetter when it comes to food and it’s no different when it comes to froyo. I’m always excited to visit and check out the froyo offerings. The diversity of froyo offerings is impressive and the city offers much more than your typical froyo, including many counter serve shops and innovative froyo offerings.

Homegrown Favorites

GRK is a quick-serve chain of Greek cafes serving fresh Greek food, Greek drinks and Greek yogurt (fresh/refrigerated or frozen). GRK started in NYC and now has a Washington DC outpost.

There’s a separate express line for counter-served fresh or frozen yogurt (spelled ygrt on the sign). Toppings are limited but include interesting Greek toppings like cherry preserves, fig preserves, rose petal preserves along with figs, fresh fruit, Greek honey and nuts. They only have one flavor of yogurt, plain. The yogurt contains no added sugar and is sweetened with honey. It’s on the icier side with a sweet, clean finish – it tastes like real yogurt with natural tanginess.

Culture: An American Yogurt Company is still my favorite NYC froyo shop. The housemade yogurt and housemade toppings are a notch above what you can find elsewhere. They take their yogurt very seriously, making Greek yogurt from scratch from locally sourced Hudson Valley milk and live probiotic cultures. The counter-served yogurt is available fresh or frozen. One variety per day is organic. The frozen yogurt is super thick, clean, tangy with a refreshing edge, less sweet – what froyo should taste like. Gourmet toppings include fresh key lime custard (recommended, very tangy), strawberries macerated in balsamic vinegar and pineapple roasted with cardamom in maple syrup. The key lime pie sundae features key lime custard, lime syrup and graham cracker crumbs (yum). They also have yogurt drinks, froyo cookie sandwiches and Stumptown Coffee. Culture has two locations in NYC and its fresh Greek yogurt is available at select local markets, including Whole Foods.

Victory Garden (31 Carmine St., New York (West Village), NY) is the only goat milk soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt shop in town. The goat milk is sourced from a local farm. Flavors and toppings are seasonal. The goat milk frozen yogurt flavor is distinctive and delicious. The texture is smooth, dense and creamy and the aftertaste is sweet and clean. It tasted “cleaner” and less processed than the typical frozen yogurt. The flavor was tangy but moderately so and the slight refreshing edge was also pleasant. You can taste the goat milk. The flavors are more sophisticated and the toppings healthier. Look out for unusual toppings and sauces like mole sauce, raspberry rose sauce, edible flowers, blackcurrant bay leaf sauce, fennel pollen, bitter orange drizzle, and candied pine nuts.

Butterfield Market (1114 Lexington Ave., New York, NY) is a smallish Upper East Side gourmet market with a froyo/smoothies counter and walkup window. The froyo is counter-served and they serve Frogurt, the same frozen yogurt carried by Forty Carrots (Bloomingdale’s, 1000 3rd Ave., New York, NY).

Blue Olive Market (210 E 41st St., New York, NY) is an upscale Greek market and café in Murray Hill known for its made to order frozen Greek yogurt. The yogurt and toppings are combined and then frozen with liquid nitrogen. 

Greecologies (379 Broome St., New York, NY) serves grass-fed Greek fresh yogurt served in terracotta bowls, smoothies, desserts, coffee and tea in Little Italy. The yogurt is made with local milk and can be topped with sweet or savory toppings like sour cherry, quince, quinoa, muesli and olive oil. There was talk of adding frozen yogurt but they are currently still working on the recipe.

Invasion of the Foreign Froyo Chains

“If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere. It’s up to you, New York, New York.” New York is where Chillbox (of Greece) and Yooglers (of Spain) chose to open their first US locations. Yooglers recently closed for good before I had a chance to try it.

Chillbox (204 E 60th St., New York, NY) has one Upper East Side location. I was told that the frozen yogurt comes from Greece and so do some of the toppings like the honey and sour cherry syrup. I suppose this explains the price, 78 cents an ounce. While the frozen yogurt is good (tangy, whipped, light and smooth), it isn’t the best in town and some of the toppings didn’t look that fresh.

Yogorino (657 Broadway, New York, NY) of Italy opened its first US location in Philadelphia. The NYC location added a new flavor, chocolate, a few months ago. The chocolate flavor tasted too much like cocoa powder, but the original flavor is as good as I remembered it: thick, creamy, whipped/light with a light tang and mild flavor. It’s not as tart as tart froyo but it does have some tang. This location also offers crepes, gelato, milkshakes and beverages.

Froyo for Travelers

Penn Station’s Chickpea cafes feature Red Mango frozen yogurt. You can also find Red Mango at JFK International Airport Terminal 7 and LaGuardia International Airport.

Of course there are many other froyo shops in NYC, including 16 Handles, Pinkberry, Yogurtland, Red Mango, Off the Wall, YoArt, Yorganic, Fresko, Uptown Swirl, etc. Unfortunately I didn’t have the chance to visit them all.

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.