Painful Froyo Shop Closures of 2020

Fro-yo girl here. I’m usually sad when I hear about a froyo shop closing, but some closures hurt much more than others. I’ve already written about the closure of three of the shops on this list. These are the most painful froyo shop closures of 2020 (in alphabetical order). I've visited all the places on this list.

Blush Organic Frozen Yogurt, 4640 Tassajara Rd, Dublin, CA 94568

I have so many fond memories of going to Blush after work, chatting with the owner, Jonathan, and driving home with a cooler full of froyo. His swirling skills were legendary and he was so passionate about developing the best froyo flavors. He was so dedicated and the froyo was something special. My favorite flavors were Green Tea Tart, Original, Blush, and Pumpkin Tart. I also loved Pineapple Tart, Acai Blueberry Tart, Gingerbread, Mango Tart…the list goes on. Blush Dublin first opened in 2008. It closed in May 2020.

Zoeyogurt, 6900 East Green Lake Way N E, Seattle, WA 98115

The original Zoeyogurt, in Green Lake, closed after nine years in Green Lake (Seattle, WA). I visited once and really liked the cozy atmosphere, cleanliness and froyo texture. The owner, Donna, was an earlier supporter of the International Frozen Yogurt Association and all three Zoeyogurt shops were IFYA Swirl of Honor shops.

Woody’s Yogurt Place, 802 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley, CA 94941

A local institution, Woody’s Yogurt Place was owned by the same family, the Woodsons, since 1998. Another Swirl of Honor shop, Woody’s won numerous “best of” froyo and ice cream awards over the years. Woody’s donated gift certificates to every nearby school for their auctions and fundraisers, hosted free ice cream socials for local schools, and more. Woody’s Yogurt Place closed in January due to the rising cost of rent at Strawberry Village.

Yogurtland Fullerton, 501 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92831

Yogurtland #1, the original location, closed in October, a victim of the economic effects of COVID-19. The shop was located near Cal State Fullerton and with students staying at home, business must have been slow. The shop first opened in February 2006 and shared a space with Phillip Chang’s other business, Boba Loca, a bubble tea shop. They offered 16 self-serve, non-fat fro-yo flavors a day and toppings for 30 cents. This was the format that early Yogurtland locations continued to offer during the early years.

 

Yogurtland, 152 Sunset Dr., San Ramon, CA 94583

Sure there are plenty of Yogurtland locations, especially in California, but only a few were my regular spots. Yogurtland San Ramon opened in 2009, back when I used to work in San Ramon. I remember when it first opened. I went there many times, often for lunch with my good friend, S (our regular spots were Yogurtland and Top Dog). I collected many froyo spoons from that location, including the Tokidoki Yogurtland spoons. The pandemic led to the closure. 

Yogurtland, 4960 Telephone Rd, Ste 104, Ventura, CA 93003

This was my regular spot whenever I was in Ventura visiting family. Open from 2013-2020, it was the best option in town. The shop was in the shopping plaza with Barnes & Noble, Kohl’s, and Starbucks.

Farewell, old friends. You are missed.

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.

Marin County Froyo Guide & Froyo History

Berry Bliss, Larkspur

Fro-yo girl here. Years ago when I went to Marin County regularly, San Rafael was a mini froyo hot spot and there were a few other places to get froyo, like Woody’s Yogurt Place in Mill Valley and Berry Bliss in Larkspur. Woody’s Yogurt Place closed earlier this year due to the rising cost of rent at Strawberry Village. The same family owned Woody’s since 1998 and they were always giving back to the community. Sad. But on a happier note, Easy Breezy Frozen Yogurt opened in Corte Madera this past January, their first location in Marin County.

Berry Bliss (2247 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur, CA 94939), a small, counter serve shop, was notable for being the first tart froyo shop in the area; it opened in 2008 and closed in 2013. Back in 2008, I visited Berry Bliss and wrote the following in a Yelp review, "Fro-yo girl here. Berry Bliss is the first tart fro-yo shop in Marin County (it opened on April 1st). It makes a good effort though I think the flavors could still use some work. They're too sweet but then again, some people prefer sweeter tart fro-yo. They have four flavors a day (some flavors rotate) with fresh fruit toppings, granola, chips, cereal and nut toppings to choose from; eight dry toppings, I think and about 8 fresh fruit toppings. They DO NOT HAVE MOCHI BALLS (I wish I had brought my own).” I was obsessed with mochi back then. Wow, that was twelve years ago and the start of the new wave of froyo shops in Marin County.

Here are the other Marin County froyo shops that are no longer open for business.

• Berry Bliss, San Rafael, 2009 - 2012: Small counter serve shop, same ownership as the one in Larkspur.
• Berry Delicious, Novato, 2014-2017: Located in downtown Novato, Berry Delicious was a self-serve froyo shop.
• Berry Twist, San Rafael, 2010-2020: Berry Twist was a self-serve froyo shop located inside Northgate Mall. It’s no longer listed in the Northgate Mall directory. Google lists it as temporarily closed though.
• Cocoyo, San Rafael, 2011-2014. Cocoyo didn’t change the décor of Tuttimelon but they did change signs. Like Tuttimelon, they offered counter serve froyo and gelato. Later, they added bubble tea.
• TCBY, San Anselmo, the last review was in 2012. I have no idea when it opened but one reviewer wrote that “this TCBY has been here forever” back in 2008. Woody’s was probably around longer but who knows.
• Tuttimelon, San Rafael, 2009-2011. This counter serve shop had froyo and gelato. After closing, the space was taken over by Cocoyo.
• U Top It, San Anselmo: The self-serve froyo shop opened in 2010, changed ownership in 2014 and closed in 2019.
• Yogen Fruz, Novato, 2009-2013: This was a counter serve froyo place with mix in and soft serve style froyo.
• Yolo Yogurt Lounge, Mill Valley, 2010-2105: This was a small, cute self-serve shop which had some made in house toppings and froyo flavors.

And here’s a list of Marin County froyo shops open in 2020:

• Easy Breezy, Corte Madre, established in 2020, lots of organic and vegan froyo options, plus frozen custard. Premium self-serve!
• Loving Cup Greenbrae, established in 2016. Loving Cup was established in San Francisco in 2008. “Loving Cup is the new, old fashioned creamery. Starting with cultured non-fat milk, we make our own yogurt, freeze it, then hand blend each and every cup with your choice of ingredients. The result is super creamy, velvety soft-serve with a rich taste and none of the fat. We offer thousands of flavor possibilities every day made from ingredients like fresh ground peanut butter, chocolate chunks, fruits and berries, house-made salted caramel, and locally roasted espresso beans. We have been hand crafting goodness since 2008 and are proud to be San Francisco's favorite frozen yogurt experience.”
• Mag’s Local Yogurt, Larkspur, established in 2011, “Elliott Magnuson, owner of Mag's Local Yogurt and a longtime Larkspur resident, wanted to create a self-serve frozen yogurt eatery which combined the love for frozen yogurt with that of a fun, inviting meeting place for friends & families to enjoy.”
• Mill Valley Swirl, established in 2010. “Mill Valley Swirl is the brain child of Jeff Shine, a full time stay at home dad, and his wife, Kristine Shine, a working mother. Knowing first hand that today's family dynamic is different from years ago they aspired to create an environment that caters to all ages and tastes, bringing a modern twist to the Main Street Ice Cream Shoppe. Unlike the traditional ice-cream or gelato shops, Mill Valley Swirl recognizes individual taste and a desire for a healthier lifestyle. The basis behind Mill Valley Swirl is frozen yogurt options for everyone, healthy or fun, with the customer being in full control of quantity and selection. In the summer of 2016, owner, Jeff Shine, went to ice cream making school to learn how to make his own homemade ice cream. In 2017 Jeff launched his own ice cream brand, Sweet Annie's, named after his daughter and founded on the idea of everyday deserving a celebration.”
• Swirl, San Anselmo, established in 2009. “Business was run by an absentee owner until March 2017 when a local San Anselmo family purchased Swirl, upgraded all the equipment and yogurt (now gluten free & most are kosher) and added more and better toppings (organic fruits from farmers market, cheesecake bites, snickers, etc.).”
• Tuttimelon Novato, established in 2010. Tuttimelon is still going strong in Novato. “Tuttimelon specializes in premium self created fat free frozen yogurt along with an extensive toppings bar. Featuring "Tutti-WOW" with only 64 calories /cup, all natural, lactose free and very low carbs! Come taste a truly guiltless pleasure. We also serve 26 wonderful flavors of hand crafted, artisan Gelatos. While you're there, try the 100% fruit and vegetable granitas (smoothies) from Italy and the fresh baked gourmet stuffed soft pretzels and Belgium Waffles. The Novato location specializes in creating their own unique flavor offerings in Yogurt and Gelato, featuring the best / healthiest ingredients available.”

Loop Neighborhood Market, 2 locations in Novato and 1 location in San Rafael offer self-serve froyo in an upscale convenience store format.

YOLO in San Anselmo hasn’t posted an update on Facebook since March. It’s temporarily closed according to Google and Yelp. Hmm. It’s probably closed for good since it’s already October and they missed the summer froyo season. But it does say on Yelp that it's scheduled to reopen on April 14, 2021.

I still need to go to the Loving Cup location in Greenbrae, but I’ve been to all the other Marin County froyo shops that are still open (and quite a few that have closed).

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.

Final Days of Woody’s Yogurt Place, Last Day is January 5

Fro-yo girl here. I just found out that Woody’s Yogurt Place in Mill Valley, California is closing at the end of this week. Sunday, January 5 is the last day of business. I’m deeply saddened by the news, since Woody’s Yogurt Place has been the place to get froyo in Marin County for decades. It’s had the same owners since 1998 and they’ve won numerous “best of” froyo and ice cream awards. Woody’s Yogurt Place also holds three swirls for frozen yogurt excellence, awarded by the International Frozen Yogurt Association’s Swirl of Honor program.

Woody’s has also given so much back to community organizations over the years. They’ve donated gift certificates to every nearby school for their auctions and fundraisers, hosted free ice cream socials for local schools, and more.

Here’s the statement from the owners, Michael “Woody” Woodson and Brian Woodson:

“To our wonderful customers, employees, friends & neighbors: The time has come for Woody’s Yogurt Place to serve its last ice cream cone or cup of frozen yogut. Sunday, January 5 will be our last day. 

It has been a privilege and an honor to serve everyone and to work with such amazing staff. Being able to have a business that brings smiles to faces young and old is truly a blessing. 

The decision to close is the hardest decision that my Dad and I have had to make. It was a necessary one for the financial well-being of our family. While this is the end of our time here in Strawberry, we hope to return to the business in some manner at another location soon. Be sure to follow us on social media as well as our website, for updates. 

If you purchased a Woody’s gift card this holiday season and would like the balance refunded, please email Brian at woodysyogurtplace@yahoo.com no later than by Wednesday, January 15. Please provide the card number found on the back of the card when you email. 

Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous 2020.”

I hope they can find a new location! If you can, swing by before the doors close for good.

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

* WOODY’S YOGURT PLACE: 802 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley, CA 94941

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.

2nd National Ice Cream Day at Yogurtland & Other National Ice Cream Day Events

Fro-yo girl here. Soft serve ice cream is a hit at Yogurtland! And they’re celebrating National Ice Cream Day for the second time on Sunday, July 21 with a special offer: BOGO free from 1 PM – 6 PM. The feature flavor is Cookies & Crème light ice cream, made with OREO wafers. I’ve already had it a couple of times. Be sure to try it before they run out. It has more cookie flavor than their yogurt version, Classic Cookies & Cream.

Ice Cream Alley will be back at Smorgsaburg LA this Sunday, with pop-up ice cream vendors. Check it out from 10 AM – 4 PM at The Row, 777 Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA. Free parking and free admission.

Other National Ice Cream Day Offers:

• 16 Handles: Loyalty members get the first 3 oz free on July 21, 2019, from open - 5 PM
• Kiwi Spoon (Rocky Hill, CT): Get your first 3 oz free on July 21, minimum $5 purchase
• Nekter: BOGO free on Skoop, the vegan frozen sensation, get the offer on the Nekter app – it’s good all day on July 21. Try one of their four new flavors.
• Pressed Juicery: $2 Freezes (size 1 with up to three toppings) on July 21
• Wanderlust Creamery: Two scoops for the price of one on July 21, all day
• Woody’s Yogurt Place (Mill Valley, CA): Celebrate with 10% off your purchase on Saturday, July 20
• Yoga-urt (Glendale & Echo Park (Los Angeles), CA): Celebrate Yoga-urt’s fourth anniversary this weekend with a new flavor, $1 off on Saturday, July 20, from 2 PM – 5 PM at the Glendale store, and $1 off at the Echo Park store on Sunday, July 21, from 2 PM – 5 PM. One dollar of every transaction this weekend will go to Together Rising, a nonprofit that provides emergency relief and long-term help to detained children.

National Ice Cream Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of July.

National Today ran an interesting survey about ice cream, including favorite flavors, favorite brands, and ice cream eating behaviors.

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.

Limited Edition Froyo Apparel from Woody’s Yogurt Place

Fro-yo girl here. Froyo fans, you can soon show the world how much you love Woody’s Yogurt Place with Woody’s t-shirts and hoodies. Woody’s new apparel is available for a limited time only. You must place your order at Teespring.com/woodysyogurtplacemillvalley by Jan. 14, 2014. Wear your official Woody’s shirt or hoodie between January 15 and February 28 to Woody’s and get 10% off your purchase (limit one discount per day, per transaction).

About Woody’s Yogurt Place

Woody's (http://www.woodysyogurtplace.com/) is a family owned and operated "classic" full service store located in the Strawberry Village shopping center in Mill Valley, California. We have been serving customers from Novato, San Rafael, Ross, Greenbrae, Larkspur, Corte Madera, Mill Valley and Sausalito since 1964.

Woody's only sells the highest quality products such as Dannon Frozen Yogurt and Dreyers Ice Cream at the lowest prices in Marin County. We also have the largest selection in all of Marin County with six frozen yogurt machines and 24 ice cream flavors many of which are gluten free. Woody's is the only place in Marin County where you can find Mr. Smith's Frozen Custard and Wow Cow super low calorie dessert. We also serve delicious whole fruit smoothies.

Woody’s Yogurt Place holds three swirls for frozen yogurt excellence, awarded by the International Frozen Yogurt Association’s Swirl of Honor program.

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

* WOODY’S YOGURT PLACE: 802 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley, CA 94941

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.