Yogurtland El Monte Grand Opening Details

Fro-yo girl here. The Yogurtland grand opening celebration is this Saturday, September 26. Here are the details:

• 11:00 AM: Official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
• 11:30 AM: Special giveaway where the first 50 guests receive a free 8-ounce yogurt.
• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: BOGO special (Buy One Cup, Get a 2nd cup free of equal or lesser value, weighed items and in-store only).
• 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Face painter and balloon artist for attendees.
• 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Giveaways for guests who spend $15 or more, while supplies last.

I can’t make it, but I’m sending my froyo blessings to Yogurtland El Monte/Santa Fe Trail. I recommend getting the Pumpkin Pie froyo with whipped cream, graham crackers, and roasted almonds.

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

* YOGURTLAND, 10619 Valley Blvd Unit D, El Monte, CA 91731

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.

Yogurtland Opens in El Monte’s Santa Fe Trail Plaza

Fro-yo girl here. Good news. Yogurtland just opened this week in El Monte, CA, at Santa Fe Trail Plaza. It took over the old Menchie’s space. The Menchie’s owner wanted to retire, hence Menchie’s was replaced by Yogurtland.

I was afraid that they would keep the old Menchie's machines and do a quick renovation, but fortunately, they did a full renovation, building a new wall for the froyo machines and a new toppings bar. Also, the soft serve machines are new, and they’re working very well. The texture of the froyo is better than at most Yogurtland locations. There are 16 flavors a day and the usual Yogurtland toppings and sauces. It’s $0.81/oz.

Root beer float froyo is the current seasonal flavor.

I heard that the owner of Yogurtland Santa Fe Trail also owns the Yogurtland in Walnut. No date has been set for the grand opening.

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

* YOGURTLAND, 10619 Valley Blvd Unit D, El Monte, CA 91731

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.

A Visit to Froyo & Fido in Simi Valley

Fro-yo girl here. It took me a few months, but I finally visited the new Froyo & Fido in Simi Valley. It’s a self-serve froyo shop that sells dog accessories, bagged candy, and canned beverages.

The shop was clean and cheerful. I like how you can find the flavors of the day on their website, as well as nutritional information. Service was better than average.

There are eight self-serve froyo flavors a day and a well-stocked toppings bar. It’s $0.79/ounce. Sample cups are available.

Froyo flavors:

• Jolly rancher
• Tart: rather bland, mild tartness
• Strawberry
• Cotton candy
• French vanilla
• Cake batter
• Chocolate
• Peanut butter cup: creamy, not too chocolatey

The yogurt is good but it’s not special. I think Yogurtland has better flavors. Froyo & Fido feels more relaxed and personal though. You can pick up a cup of froyo for your dog, a dog treat, and dog bandana here. Every other Thursday, 20% of froyo sales will go to the Community Pet Fund to help local families with vet bills.

* FROYO & FIDO, 599B Country Club Dr, Simi Valley, CA 93065

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 https://internationalfrozenyogurt.com/. The IFYA is the independent voice of the frozen yogurt industry.

Go Greek Opens in Brentwood, Los Angeles

 

Fro-yo girl here. Go Greek is in expansion mode again and is now open in Brentwood, my old Westside neighborhood. It is modeled after a classic yogurteria that you'd find in Greece, serving classic yogurt and frozen yogurt. The mostly white shop with blue accents also looks like something you’d see in Greece.

During my visit, they had Kiehl’s bowls to promote the Kiehl’s collab. The Kiehl’s Better Summer Swirl bowl is banana froyo with pineapple, Greek cookie crumbs, toasted coconut, and cacao drizzle. I didn’t see most of those toppings. You must have to ask for them.

The Greek froyo is self-serve with six flavors a day (though during my visit, the strawberry wasn't available) and healthier toppings for $1.35/oz. Toppings include fresh fruit (more varieties than usual), cookies, dates, mochi, cacao nibs, chocolate chips, yogurt pretzels, nuts, granola, etc.

The menu also includes classic (non-frozen) Greek yogurt that's imported from Greece, sweet and savory Greek yogurt bowls, and smoothies made with Greek froyo.

Some of the toppings cost extra, including the Greek spoon sweets, honey, shaved chocolate, toasted coconut, hemp seeds, and even peanut butter. It seems stingy to me when the yogurt is almost twice as expensive as the average froyo shop. The toppings aren't that special. Even worse, they do not provide any samples.

Their best flavors are plain and Greek honey. Each is rich, creamy, smooth, quite tangy, and thick. Much as I do enjoy both, they are overly sweet.

This is the third Go Greek to open in California this year. It’s also one of two froyo shops in Brentwood.

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.

Meadow, a Greek Froyo Walk-Up Window, Opens in Venice

Fro-yo girl here. I’ve been noticing a new trend, froyo walk-up windows, and Venice Beach just got one this week. Meadow is a walk‑up Greek frozen yogurt window that just took over the old Jeni’s Ice Cream space. It’s a stylish-looking window and a prime location, but the execution isn’t quite there yet. The menu is extremely limited, which would be fine if the quality matched the minimalism. Unfortunately, it doesn’t.

Menu & Pricing

The menu lists three froyo creations, and one of them is specifically for kids. You’re not restricted to the creations though. You can customize flavors and toppings. The adult cups are $14, toppings included. Definitely ask for samples before you decide.

The Bases

Tart (dairy): Made with Greek yogurt. The texture was loose and icy, not the dense, creamy Greek froyo people are craving right now. It wasn’t smooth, melted fast, and lacked that satisfying richness you expect from Greek-style froyo. The texture was simply off.

Matcha (vegan): Surprisingly, the vegan matcha was creamier and thicker than the tart, so the texture was better. I’m told that the base has probiotics. In my opinion, the coconut was too strong,, overshadowing the matcha. It also tasted quite sweet, possibly from stevia or another alternative sweetener. I wanted more matcha depth and less sweetness.

Toppings

Strawberries, strawberry purée, pistachio crunch, sprinkles, sea salt, pistachios, dark chocolate drizzle, granola.

You can’t see the toppings. There’s no visual appeal of the toppings, no colorful toppings bar, no moment of froyo joy where you pick your favorites. Everything is hidden away.

The granola was disappointing — very plain, mostly oats, no clusters, no nuts, no texture contrast.

Service

Service was excellent — friendly and helpful. I had many questions, and she answered all of them.

Meadow has potential, but the product needs work. Better texture, stronger flavors, and a more appealing toppings experience would go a long way. Meadow is a pop-up. It should be open for a few months.

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

MEADOW, 64 Windward Ave, Venice, CA, 90921

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.

Yogurtland is Coming to El Monte

Fro-yo girl here. Good news! Yogurtland is set to open in El Monte, CA, this month. According to Google, the location is scheduled to open on July 31 at the old Menchie’s spot. Yogurtland announced a franchise agreement that included a location in El Monte, CA, last December. The new branch will be known as Yogurtland Santa Fe Trail.

Thanks to my Froyo Secretary for the froyo tip!

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

* YOGURTLAND, 10619 Valley Blvd Unit D, El Monte, CA 91731

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.

Van Leeuwen Opens in Burbank, First VL on West Coast to Offer Froyo

Fro-yo girl here. Van Leeuwen’s froyo is finally available on the West Coast. The Van Leeuwen scoop shop in downtown Burbank, CA, opened today.

The grand opening specials are:

$1 scoops or froyo from 2 PM – 5 PM

Free VL totes for the first 100 guests starting at 2 PM (not froyo totes)

I visited before 2 PM. There was a problem and only two of the four froyo flavors were available during my visit. The froyo is counter-serve. Ask for samples.

Froyo flavors:

• Tart: icier and looser than I remembered from Miami
• Matcha (not available)
• Strawberry (not available)
• Coconut: very nice, creamy, smooth, slightly tangy, tasted like yogurt

The toppings were displayed on the counter in white bowls. They included fresh fruit, pistachio kataifi, Sicilian pistachio cream, toasted coconut, sprinkles, mochi, nuts, granola, gummy bears, sauces, crumbles, strawberries in syrup, cherries, honey, whipped cream, sauces, etc.

Prices: Small with 1 topping, $7.95/ Medium with 2 toppings, $9.25/ Large with 3 toppings, $10.25. A small is actually a 4 ounce mini serving.

This location is also an ice cream scoop shop with over two dozen flavors, including vegan options. They had basic flavors like vanilla bean, chocolate, and strawberry, but also interesting flavors like Earl Grey tea, mango sticky rice, and peanut butter brownie honeycomb. One scoop was $7.95. You can also pick up a pre-packed pint of ice cream from the freezer.

I like how froyo is on the exterior sign. 

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

* VAN LEEUWEN, 321 N San Fernando Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502

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.

Go Greek Yogurt Opens in Larchmont Village

Fro-yo girl here. Go Greek quietly opened yesterday in Larchmont Village. I expect they’ll have a grand opening at a later date.

It’s an attractive shop in the heart of Larchmont Village. You’ll find six self-serve froyo flavors and toppings for $1.35/oz, classic (non-frozen) Greek yogurt, sweet and savory Greek yogurt bowls, and smoothies made with froyo ($13.25 each). The yogurt is kept in big terracotta bowls, like you’d see in a yogurteria in Greece. The yogurt is imported from Greece.

The toppings are healthy, for the most part. Some of the toppings cost extra, including the Greek spoon sweets, honey, shaved chocolate, and even peanut butter. It seems stingy to me when the yogurt is already expensive.

Before entering the shop, I saw a sign that said sorry, we do not offer samples. I think that’s just bad practice. Have employees dispense the samples to avoid sampling abuse.

I decided to try a savory bowl, the Greek salad ($14.99). Mr. Froyo pointed out that the sign did not specify that the Greek salad came with yogurt. The Greek salad wound up being 50% plain Greek yogurt and 50% sliced Persian cucumbers, grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and olive oil. I did not see or taste the oregano, salt, or pepper. The salad was fine though it didn’t feel like a salad. It was fresh but very plain. The yogurt was silky, rich, and smooth. It wasn’t sour. It was good yogurt. I wanted more salt and pepper at least and would have also loved some onions and fresh herbs.

This location is owned by a franchisee.

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

* GO GREEK YOGURT, 148 N Larchmont Blvd Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90004

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.

Yo! CHILL Opens in West Adams

Fro-yo girl here. Yo! Chill Frozen Yogurt opened in February, and I have to admit that I only recently found out about it.

It’s a smaller self-serve froyo and snack shop in the West Adams neighborhood of Los Angeles. There are four soft serve machines serving eight flavors a day. The toppings bar is quite small, with dry toppings and syrups towards the front and refrigerated toppings towards the register. Toppings included fresh fruit, mochi, sprinkles, popping boba, cookies, chocolate chips, etc. It’s $0.79/oz.

Froyo flavors of the day:

• Vanilla soft serve
• Chocolate soft serve
• Dole Whip pineapple (available as a float)
• Raspberry sorbet
• Salted caramel froyo
• Strawberry froyo: icy but smooth, did not taste natural, little flavor – didn’t taste like strawberries or yogurt
• Mango froyo
• Original tart froyo: didn’t taste like yogurt, had some flavor but not pleasant

They also sell drinks, snacks (candy, crackers, gum), and branded merch. Unfortunately, this was some of the worst froyo that I’ve ever had. The place did seem clean though and the strawberries were fresh.

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

YO! CHILL FROZEN YOGURT, 5167 West Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

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.

Yumi Yogurt Returns to Redwood City

Fro-yo girl here. After closing in September 2019, Yumi Yogurt made its triumphant return to Redwood City. It reopened on November 28.

Yumi Yogurt RWC was the first Yumi that I visited and the one that I went to the most often. I visited the new location in the same shopping center as the original. The original building was demolished.

The new Yumi Yogurt features 8 soft serve flavors a day, hard scoop ice cream, Flavor Burst, and shakes. It’s counter-serve, the way it used to be. During my visit, the following flavors were available:

• Vanilla custard
• Italian chocolate
• Chocolate peanut butter Carbolite
• Graham cracker cheesecake Carbolite
• Pistachio cream Carbolite
• Oreo matcha WowCow
• Georgia Peach WowCow
• Cold Brew Coffee WowCow

Carbolite is low sugar, low carb, and low calorie. WowCow is low lactose and low sugar. Ask for samples. I prefer regular yogurt to Carbolite and WowCow, so it’s disappointing to see so many Carbolite and WowCow flavors and so few regular yogurt flavors.

Froyo prices: Small ($7.20), Medium ($8.30), Large ($9.75), Quart ($16.50). Keeping with Yumi’s tradition, portions are very generous.

Décor was simple but pleasant. The logo on the wall says Yumi Yogurt was established in 1985.

* YUMI YOGURT, 1019 El Camino Real, Unit B9, Redwood City, CA 94063

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.

Neptune’s Frozen Treats Is Now Open in Palos Verdes Estates

 

Fro-yo girl here. Neptune’s Frozen Treats had a soft opening today, October 17, in Palos Verdes Estates. The shop is family-owned and run by a mom and her daughter. It’s their first shop, and I think the first froyo shop in Palos Verdes Estates. I’ve never been to Palos Verdes Estates before, probably because it didn’t have a froyo shop till today. It’s a gorgeous area by the beach, and the Malaga Cove shopping center looks like a European villa.

Neptune’s has a white and blue theme, inspired by the god of the sea. There are ten soft serve flavors a day (froyo, frozen custard, gelato, vegan (oat milk), and sorbet) and the flavors are thoughtfully paired to encourage you to use the middle handle. The signs also specify which flavors are gluten-free, vegan, lowfat, etc.

The beautiful toppings bar features lovely bowls and gold spoons. All the toppings are labeled with allergens listed (e.g., contains milk, soy, eggs). I spotted fresh fruit, brownies, cheesecake, cookies, mochi, cereal, granola, etc.

It’s $0.98/oz which isn’t too bad considering the area. Also, the shop was impeccably clean and the froyo texture superb. And you can sign up for rewards too. Note, the shop is cashless.

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

* NEPTUNE’S FROZEN TREATS, 55 MALAGA COVE PLAZA, PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA 90274

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.

Yumi Yogurt Redwood City Is Almost Ready to Open

Fro-yo girl here. Froyo miracles do happen! The news of Yumi Yogurt’s return to Redwood City took me by surprise. The shop closed on 9/15/2019, after 35 years. The original building was demolished. Six years later, it’s just about ready to open and it’s back at the same shopping center (but different location), Sequoia Station. The old address was 947 El Camino Real and the new, 1019 El Camino Real Unit B9, right next to Little Madfish.

The glass storefront was papered over, so I couldn’t see inside. But they did post a picture of the interior on Instagram on September 3. The post says “our shop is fully ready, the only step left is the final approval from” San Mateo County Environmental Health.

Yumi Yogurt RWC was the first Yumi that I visited and the one that I went to the most often.

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.

Go Greek Opens in Newport Beach

 

Fro-yo girl here. Go Greek recently opened in Newport Beach, CA (Orange County). I missed the grand opening on September 4 but visited about a week later. Go Greek is an authentic Greek yogurteria, serving authentic Greek yogurt in a Greek-inspired setting.

This is a franchise location offering six flavors of self-serve Greek froyo and toppings for $1.35/oz and fresh Greek yogurt with toppings. For the fresh yogurt, you can design your own bowl or go with one of their signature sweet or savory bowls. It is not self-serve.

Their Greek froyo is richer and creamier than the froyo shops and the yogurt is sourced from Greece. The froyo is always on the softer side for some reason, and it does melt quickly. However, I do enjoy the strong yogurt tang of Go Greek Yogurt. The toppings looked fresh, with more fresh fruit options than usual. The toppings do not appear to be organic. Gone are the days when they offer Greek cookies as a topping.

They have an app where you can earn points and free froyo.

It’s a nice looking shop with a brick façade and outdoor courtyard seating. Parking was easy to find. I do dislike the policy of not offering samples. People should be able to try the flavors before choosing.

* GO GREEK YOGURT: 191 Riverside Ave Unit C, Newport Beach, CA 92663

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.

Yoga-urt Granada Hills Opens

Fro-yo girl here. Yoga-urt Granada Hills opened for business at 2 PM today, July 23. It’s the fourth Yoga-urt location and the first franchise location. The owners are Granada Hills residents and Yoga-urt fanatics (obviously). The offerings are similar to the other locations: vegan, organic soft serve made from scratch, smoothies, floats, froyo sandwiches, froyo popsicles, etc.

You’ll find six froyo flavors a day. The flavors on opening day were Chocolate Bliss, Peanut Butter Prana, Strawberry Serenity, Vanilla Harmony, Salted Caramel Zen, and Green Tea Tranquility. All the flavors are amazing and proprietary.

Yoga-urt soft serve is vegan, kosher, soy free, gluten-free, all-natural, probiotic, hand-crafted, small batch, and made on site. The gluten-free cones and sauces are also made in-house with proprietary recipes. For toppings, choose from fresh fruit, mochi, sprinkles, nuts, granola, coconut, mulberries, cacao nibs, and housemade sauces.

Froyo prices: Mini $6.75/ Small $8.75/ Medium $11.25/ Large $13

The purple walls, inspirational quotes, and hearts remind me of the Kenneth Village shop. Very cute.

They plan to have a grand opening celebration on August 3. Save the date! More details to be revealed later.

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

* YOGA-URT, 17454 Chatsworth St, Suite A, Granada Hills, CA 91344

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.

Yogurtland Opens on Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica

 

Fro-yo girl here. Yogurtland recently opened a new store at 1321 Third Street Promenade in downtown Santa Monica. It’s not that far from the other Yogurtland at 304 Santa Monica Blvd.

I visited the Yogurtland on Santa Monica Blvd. in 2021 and had a terrible experience. It was obvious that they were not maintaining the froyo machines. The froyo was disgusting. To add insult to injury, it was $0.99/oz. Naturally, I wasn’t excited to hear about the new location.

Like other Yogurtland locations, you'll find 16 self-serve froyo flavors a day and toppings. However, the price is much higher (it's a touristy area) at $1.32/oz (compared to $0.70 at the average YL). The soft serve machines are new and the shop looks nice since it's new. They've abandoned the square green tiles in favor of faux wood.

Interestingly, the new shop is already for sale.

"This newly built YOGURTLAND FRANCHISE, featuring all new equipment, is situated in a prime location in Santa Monica, CA. Specifications:

Size: Approximately 1,400 sq. ft.

Rent: $17,350 per month, including NNN (Triple Net Lease)

Lease Term: Until March 30, 2033, with two additional 5-year renewal options."

The Santa Monica Blvd. shop is expected to close in October. The new location hasn't had a grand opening yet.

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

* YOGURTLAND: 1321 3rd St Promenade. Santa Monica, CA 90401

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.

Go Greek Yogurt Opens in Studio City, CA

 

Fro-yo girl here. Go Greek Yogurt announced the opening of their new shop at The Center at Coldwater in Studio City, CA, on June 26 on Instagram. The shop has been open for a few weeks prior to the Instagram post. They might have a grand opening celebration in the future.

The shop features six flavors of self-serve froyo a day with toppings for $1.25/oz, smoothies, and handcrafted Greek yogurt with sweet and savory toppings. The Greek yogurt comes in a variety of flavors like rose, strawberry, and Greek honey.

According to the Instagram post, “Swing by on or before July 10, 2024 and get 15% off your next order when you mention code STUDIOCITY15. *Limited to one-time use only.” The cashier did not know about the code. I've encountered this issue multiple times at different Go Greek locations. 

While the froyo was rich, smooth and flavorful and the toppings healthier than usual, it is very expensive at $1.25. Also, the fruit doesn’t appear to be organic, and the toppings options have gotten worse (they no longer offer Greek toppings like they used to or even flaxseeds).

Even worse, they do not allow any sampling. This seems stupid to me because why would you want someone to get a cup of yogurt that they don’t like if they could sample it first and make an informed decision. If they’re concerned about sample abuse, they could have the employee dispense the samples.

But the plain tart is excellent. It tastes like yogurt and it’s so creamy. The blood orange flavor was too strong, to the point where I could not really taste the yogurt (although it was vegan and I'm not sure it was vegan yogurt).

* GO GREEK YOGURT: 12930 Ventura Blvd # 114, Studio City, CA 91604

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.