Thursday, November 19, 2020

Yogurt & More in Sierra Madre, CA Has Closed

 

Fro-yo girl here. I was in Sierra Madre recently and I noticed that the sign for Yogurt & More had been taken down. There was a for lease sign in the window. The interior of the shop was emptied out but the walls, floor and counters are still intact.

I’m not sure when Yogurt & More closed exactly but it was open earlier this year and then it closed (temporarily?) due to the coronavirus pandemic. The last update, posted on April 3, said the closure was temporary. I was in Sierra Madre this past summer and the Yogurt & More sign was still up, but I'm not sure if the shop was open or not.

Yogurt & More opened in 2010 as a self-serve froyo shop offering 10 froyo flavors a day. New owners appeared to have taken over in August 2017. In addition to froyo, they seemed to be the only place in Sierra Madre to get boba drinks. They also offered smoothies. I reviewed it in 2015.

Mother Moo Creamery, Sierra Madre’s ice cream shop, remains open.

Update: A former Yogurt & More employee was kind enough to reach out and provide more information about the closure. According to the employee, the owner decided to sell Yogurt & More in September 2020. The shop had been closed for a few months due to COVID-19. It is permanently closed.

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

YOGURT & MORE, 7 Kersting Ct, Sierra Madre, CA 91024

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 17, 2020

New Peachwave Redondo Beach & South Bay Froyo Updates




Fro-yo girl here. I don’t make it out the South Bay too often and I missed the mid-July opening of Peachwave Frozen Yogurt in Redondo Beach. Peachwave is on a busy street and inside Artesia Produce Market. The market was recently remodeled by the new owners. You can get tacos, sandwiches, and guacamole from the deli inside and then go to the very back for froyo (designed to be self-serve, currently full service due to COVID-19). It’s currently full service.

There are 12 flavors a day (flavors rotate) and the usual toppings for 59 cents an ounce (higher price than average). They had lots of toppings – fruit, candy, nuts, cookies, mochi, popping boba, brownies, cheesecake, jellies, coconut, graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate chips, etc. They have waffle cups too. I was surprised that they didn’t have any tart flavors. Hmm. They have gelato but no tart froyo??

Flavors of the day: 
  • Pineapple Dole Whip
  • Raspberry Dole Whip
  • NSA Blueberries ‘n Cream
  • NSA Peaches ‘n Cream
  • Vanilla: Just had Madagascar Vanilla from Yogurtland which was much more flavorful than Peachwave’s, the texture was creamy but seemed too soft (and melted quickly)
  • Chocolate
  • Cotton candy
  • Toasted marshmallow
  • Cookies ‘n cream gelato
  • Pistachio gelato

The décor inside the store is very basic though the wall of froyo machines did have a round white and green tile. All the toppings were covered and labeled. Service was friendly. They have a rewards program. Also, on Thursdays you can get a flat rate cup for $3.99 – only you can’t fill it yourself and the cup is very small. There are a few tables & chairs set up outside if you’d like to sit and eat your froyo. I did like the Peachwave mural on the side of the building.

I drove by Menchie’s (2515 Artesia Blvd) on the way to Peachwave and I noticed it was closed during the middle of the day. Google lists it as temporarily closed, as does the Menchie’s website. I tried calling but the phone number is no longer in service. Not a good sign…I’m thinking it probably won’t reopen.

I also noticed that Yogurtland Torrance Crossroads closed earlier this year. Yogurtland Torrance Village Del Amo, Yogurtand Gardena and Manhattan Beach open at 1 PM (pretty late) and Yogurtland Redondo Beach doesn’t open till 2 PM. Peachwave opens at 1 PM Monday – Thursday. Pinkberry Torrance and Tutti Frutti Redondo Beach open at 11 AM.

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

PEACHWAVE FROZEN YOGURT & GELATO, 2322 Artesia Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278

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 14, 2020

Holsom by Yogurtland Grand Opening Coverage






Fro-yo girl here. Yogurtland (7598 Edinger Ave.) in Huntington Beach, CA has been remodeled and renamed Holsom by Yogurtland. The grand opening of the new Holsom by Yogurtland concept was this morning at 9:30 AM on November 14, 2020. Spaces were marked to maintain social distance. The first 100 guests received a wristband and a scratch off card. One of the cards had a prize of one year of free Holsom. Mine was for a free entrée. Yogurtland associates handed out samples to those waiting in line. There was also a DJ and an outdoor tent for dining. Indoor dining is currently not allowed.

Only a few people were allowed inside at a time. Orders were placed at a kiosk, with a Yogurtland associate wiping the screen between each guest. The interior was modern looking with white being the main color and light wood accents, a look reminiscent of the newer Yogurtland design. Holsom employees had Holsom masks, hats and aprons.

Holsom by Yogurtland offers hot and cold beverages (no coffee), savory toasts, sweet toasts, grain bowls, acai bowls and Yogurtland soft serve froyo, ice cream, and sorbet. The emphasis is on wholesome, affordable, delicious options. Toasts are $5.99-$7.99, grain bowls $5.79-$7.29, and acai bowls $4.95-$7.75. The full menu is online.

The froyo is currently full service. They did away with half of the machines, so Holsom will offer 8 flavors a day with toppings. There are three sizes, mini ($3.99), signature ($4.99) and premium ($6.99). Samples are not offered. I heard that the plan is to offer self-serve again, once it is safe to do so. The toppings bar is much smaller.

I had the avocado toast with a matcha green tea latte. The toasts are pretty good. They chose good bread. Also, the bread is thickly sliced, so it’s actually filling. I’m not so sure about the drinks (the matcha latte was way too sweet), dressings and sauces. Also, the menu seems more appropriate for summer than winter. A winter grain bowl would have roasted veggies and squash. I’m craving soup, roasted veggies, and mac & cheese these days.

Good luck to Holsom by 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.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

2020 Veterans Day Froyo Offers




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

  • 16 Handles (Clifton Park): Veterans get 6 oz free on 11/11
  • Aloha Yogurt (Tempe, AZ): All military members, active & inactive, receive 20% off on 11/11
  • Berry Fresh Desserts (Bayport, NY): 15% off for veterans and active duty military on November 11, 2020
  • Big Spoon Yogurt (Roseville, CA): Veterans enjoy a free froyo on 11/11/20
  • Blue Cow Frozen Yogurt (Boise, Idaho): Free froyo for vets and active duty military on Veterans Day for those who bring their family or friends
  • Blueberry Frog (Greenville, SC): Veterans and active duty military, enjoy 20% off on 11/11
  • Cheeburger Cheeburger (Dothan, AL): Show military ID for free froyo and 15% off everything else on Nov. 11
  • Cherry on Top (O'ahu, HI): On Veterans Day, those who served get 20% off
  • CherryBerry (MN): Veterans enjoy 30% off from 11/11-11/14/20, show tweet @CherryBerry_MN
  • Chills Froyo & Custard (Kennewick, WA): Veterans enjoy 25% off on 11/11, show military ID or VA card for discount
  • Counter Culture Frozen Yogurt - Youree Dr., Line Ave. & Kings Hwy: Veterans enjoy a free froyo cone, no purchase necessary, on 11/11/20
  • Creme De La Creme (Santa Maria, CA): Veterans enjoy a free cone on 11/11/20 (must show proof of service)
  • Cup n' Spoon (Morganton, NC): Show proof of service on 11/11 between 12pm - 5pm for a free froyo
  • Easy Breezy (San Francisco, Corte Madera, CA): Veterans and active duty military enjoy 20% off on 11/11 & 11/12/20
  • Farmhouse Frozen Yogurt (TX): 20% off on Veterans Day, ask for the Veterans Day special
  • Frog (Hollywood, CA): 50% off with military ID on 11/11
  • FroYo (St. Louis, MO): 20% off for veterans and active duty military on 11/11
  • Froyo Earth (WA): Show proof of service on 11/11 and get 8 oz free froyo
  • Hoopla (St. Joe, MI): Free green cup for veterans on Nov. 11, 2020
  • House of Yogurt (Costa Mesa, CA): 5 oz free for active duty and veterans, show military ID to receive offer
  • llaollao (Houston, TX): Active, reserve & retired military veterans, get a free medium froyo 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. Thank you Menchie’s!
  • Mickey's Yogurt (CA): Veterans & active duty military, get a free 16 oz froyo on 11/11/20
  • Peachwave (Bettendorf, IA): Show military ID on 11/11 for up to $3 off a froyo or shake
  • Peachwave (Tulsa, OK): Veterans and active duty military receive 30% off with valid military ID on 11/11/20
  • Pinwill's Frozen Yogurt (Glenwood Springs, CO): Show your military ID to get a free froyo on Nov. 11
  • Smart Cow (Menomonee Falls, WI): Vets enjoy 20% off EVERY DAY
  • Snickerdoodlz Froyo (Petoskey, MI): Veterans and active duty military enjoy a free 8 oz cup of froyo on 11.11
  • Spoon Cafe (Williamstown, MA): Veterans enjoy a free small froyo with 2 toppings
  • Sweet Luna's (Old Saybrook, CT): Free dessert for veterans on 11/11
  • Sundaze Yogurt (Tucson, AZ): 50% off for veterans with military ID or proof of service on 11/11
  • Suzy's Swirl (IL): Veterans receive a free $5 cup on 11/11/20
  • sweetFrog (Boone, NC): Show military ID on 11/11 for a free 12 oz cup
  • sweetFrog (Hickory, NC): Veteran owned, thanking veterans and active duty military on 11/11 with a free 8 oz cup
  • sweetFrog (Fort Belvoir, VA): All vets & active duty military, enjoy a free small cup (up to $5) w/ valid military ID on 11/11
  • sweetFrog (Dundalk, Kent Island, Rosedale, Timonium): Show proof of service on 11/11 for a free small cup
  • Swirl Bliss (Baldwin, NY): 20% off for all who have served on Nov. 11
  • Orange Leaf: Vets & active duty military enjoy 50% off on Nov. 11 
  • TCBY: Vets and active military get 6 oz free on November 11 with proof of service or valid military ID
  • TJ's Frozen Yogurt (San Angelo, TX): Show military ID for $1 off on November 11 
  • Yagoot (Springboro, OH): BOGO free on Nov. 11, mention Veterans Day deal on Instagram
  • Yogiyo (Upland, CA): Free froyo (up to 8 oz) for veterans and active military on Nov. 11
  • Yogo Crazy (Wyomissing, PA): Show proof of service on 11/11 for 8 oz free
  • Yogurt Beach (Naperville, IL): Vets enjoy 50% off on 11/11
  • Yogurt Mountain: Veterans get 6 oz free on 11/11
  • Yogurt Mountain (Gardendale, AL): Veterans get a free froyo today, up to 10 oz
  • Yogurtini (Overland Park, Shoal Creek, Plaza): Veterans get free froyo on Nov. 11 
  • Yogurtland Las Vegas: Free 8 oz cup for veterans and active military on Nov. 11 with proof or military ID
  • Yogurtland (Moreno Valley, CA): Get 20% off with military ID 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.

Monday, November 9, 2020

Menchie’s November Feature Flavor, Cinnamon Bun & Return of Veterans Day Offer

 



Fro-yo girl here. Back in November 2014, Menchie’s introduced a new froyo flavor, Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll, featuring Cinnabon Makara cinnamon blended with their signature cream cheese frosting. They also provided two new toppings, Cinnabon morsels and sweet cream cheese icing.

Cinnamon roll/bun froyo is back at Menchie’s but it’s new and made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese frosting. Menchie’s describes the flavor as follows: “Taste a slice of cinnamon bun in every bite. Menchie’s new froyo flavor, Cinnamon Bun made with Philadelphia Cream Cheese Frosting, is gluten-free and made with real cinnamon and Philadelphia Cream Cheese. To make it an even sweeter treat, top off your cup with swirls of our new Cream Cheese Frosting topping!” Yes, they brought back a warm cream cheese frosting.

Finding the new flavor continues to be a bit of a challenge despite improvements to the Menchie’s app this year. Though they FINALLY added a flavor finder feature, most locations do not report their current flavors. And the locations near me rarely put in the new flavors around the time that they’re released. Valley Village has it though – that’s one location that I can depend on. They also update their flavors on the Menchie’s app. Due to COVID-19, they do not provide samples.

Cinnamon Bun froyo: The cinnamon flavor wasn’t as strong as I expected. It was definitely on the sweet side but tasted more like a butter caramel frosting than a cinnamon bun. The Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll flavor had more cinnamon flavor. The Menchie’s employee recommended pairing Cinnamon Bun froyo with Vanilla Snow. Recommended toppings: Heath & almonds.

I was also happy to see that Menchie’s will continue the tradition of offering free froyo (6 oz) to veterans and active duty military on Veterans Day, November 11. More Veterans Day froyo offers will be revealed soon (in the next post).

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 5, 2020

Menchie’s University Needs a Makeover, Testing New Flavor, Full Service for Now, Curbside Pickup



Fro-yo girl here. I hadn’t been to Menchie’s University in Encino, CA in months because of the coronavirus pandemic, but I like going to see what they’re testing. Sure enough, there was a test flavor, Cinnamon Graham Cracker. I loved Menchie’s Golden Graham Cracker flavor, so I had high hopes. Hmm, I did not like Cinnamon Graham Cracker though – it seemed too sweet. But it did complement the Pumpkin Spice with Nilla froyo.

I wasn’t thrilled that they offered flat rate pricing because you can’t get exactly what you want or control the quantity. I wasn’t feeling like having a lot of froyo but the smallest option (Small w/ up to two flavors of froyo and 1 topping) felt too large. They wrote in the corner or price by weight but didn’t mention that option to me. She assumed I’d get the flat rate cup.

I was surprised that Menchie’s University did not have any of the new Connected cups. Also, the sign on the side of the building looks like it caught fire? It looks awful. Why wouldn’t they fix or remove it? Menchie’s University shouldn’t look this bad.

Menchie’s recently launched curbside pickup, available through the Menchie’s app. However, when I launch the Menchie’s app, my nearest location doesn’t even have the current flavors listed, let alone offer curbside pickup through the app. I don’t see a way to place an order other than calling the shop – and if that’s the case, who needs the Menchie’s app to do that?

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

* MENCHIE’S UNIVERSITY: 17245 Ventura Blvd., Encino, CA 91316

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 3, 2020

Original Yogurtland Closes in Fullerton, California






Fro-yo girl here. Devastating news; the original location of Yogurtland on State College Blvd in Fullerton, across from Cal State Fullerton, has closed. On October 26, the following message was posted on FB and Instagram, “It’s been a pleasure to serve you at our original Yogurtland store in Fullerton on State College. Unfortunately, our doors have closed permanently at this location. We invite you to visit our nearby Yogurtland locations at 122 W Orangethorpe Ave (Fullerton), 730 E Imperial Hwy (Brea) and 17486 Yorba Linda Blvd (Yorba Linda). Hope to see you soon!” The note on the door says the location closed due to the "economic effects of COVID-19."

I first visited the original Yogurtland location in 2013 and I wrote about the history of that location at the time.

The location was remodeled in 2008. In 2016, the location was remodeled again. I visited a few times in 2016, for the Nintendo Game On Launch Party and also to try their shaved snow. The shop had already been remodeled when I visited.

I know I visited after 2016 but I can’t remember when. I also drove by and looked at it a few times since 2016. Why wasn’t more done to save and protect this special location???

Thanks to Eric F., for the recent pictures of Yogurtland Fullerton State College. The Yogurtland signs were removed on October 28.

* YOGURTLAND, 501 N State College Blvd, Ste C, Fullerton, CA 92831

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.