Fro-yo girl here. On March 31, 2020, I provided an update on impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the froyo scene (e.g., scheduled events were postponed, hours of operation reduced, some shops chose to close temporarily, self-serve froyo was suspended for the most part). Now that a year has passed, it’s time for another update on the current state of frozen yogurt.
How has froyo changed during this time? Like other restaurants, froyo shops have transitioned to full service, takeout and delivery only, and contactless payments. They’ve added clear guards to protect the cashier and the toppings. Some of them have been putting toppings in small cups with lids. I’ve seen more of them offer pre-packed pints and quarts. Fewer new flavors have been introduced as very few shops offer samples now (due to safety concerns). Menchie’s and Yogurtland are closing more shops. Prices have gone up.
Things are better at the moment after a tough winter; the number of new coronavirus cases and deaths continue to decrease. Los Angeles County and a few other counties in Southern California moved from the most restrictive level, purple, to the red tier around March 16. The move to the red tier meant that indoor dining could resume at 25% capacity. The weather is warming up and it’s now spring time. I’ve seen a good number of customers at a few froyo shops in the area. Seasonal froyo shops have or are about to reopen.
I’ve continued to visit different froyo shops and most have not returned to self-serve. A few offer self-serve; they provide gloves and require that you sanitize your hands first. For example, you can serve your own froyo at Yogurtland Pasadena and Menchie’s Eagle Rock.
I’ve seen a few froyo shops mention on social media that they offer indoor dining but I haven’t run into one of those yet (keeping in mind that we’ve only been in the red tier for a week). Most restaurants that I’ve been to are still offer takeout and delivery only.
Menchie’s Glendale and South Pasadena are open Friday-Sunday only. Menchie’s Redondo Beach, Westchester, and Santa Monica Ocean Park appear to have closed for good since they haven’t been open for months. Prinkipia cancelled plans to open at the Glendale Galleria.
Of the froyo shops that I mentioned on 3/30/20, all the shops on the list are still in business (yay!).
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.
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