TEMPE, Ariz., Sept. 15, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After much anticipation, Yogurtini, Tempe, Arizona's first self-serve frozen yogurt shop announces their October grand opening. Located right next to ASU, in the Cornerstone complex on Rural and University, Yogurtini strives to bring only the finest fat free and healthy frozen yogurts and toppings to Tempe.
"When I was in college in Costa Mesa, CA, there was 16 year old mom and pop self-serve dessert shop we frequented that had self-serve frozen yogurt. We would go there a few times a week, substituting our meals with frozen yogurt. It was a small operation, but the concept was solid. Since frozen yogurt is making such a comeback, and my sister and I grew up in Tempe, we thought an upscale and hip self-serve shop would be ideal near ASU," said Natasha Nelson, co-owner of Yogurtini. "We have been working on the concept and tasting frozen yogurt constantly for the past year, we can't wait to open next month," she continued.
Providing its customers with a unique experience upon each visit, Yogurtini offers 10 fat-free flavors each day, rotating from its extensive list of exclusive frozen yogurts. Classic flavors such as vanilla, cheesecake, and peanut butter are mixed among new flavors like mango, green tea, and lychee for the more adventurous. There is always the Yogurtini "house" tart, and non-dairy frozen yogurt options.
The beauty behind Yogurtini is that customers have complete control over their desserts. Upon entering, they simply grab a cup and start mixing. Five machines are lined up along the wall for customers to swirl together as many frozen yogurts as they like. They can then visit the topping bar to add any or all of the toppings. Leaving nothing to be desired, the topping bar boasts over 50 toppings, with a wide variety ranging from granola, cereals and fresh fruits, to all kinds of candies, sprinkles, and even specialty items such as espresso beans and Sriracha hot sauce. After customers have filled their cups, they weigh their creation on a scale and pay for it by the ounce.
"It's a really fun experience. I never liked being able to choose only one flavor of yogurt and being limited to one or two toppings as a kid. Now that we have our own shop, we've decided to take control and offer over 50 toppings," said Chelsey Nelson, co-owner of Yogurtini and ASU grad. "We believe that our self-serve concept is going to be a really fun place for ASU students and Tempe residents to get a tasty treat. I want all my friends to enjoy coming here, so I made sure there was something for everyone. That's why we've paid special attention to offer vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free options. I also know a lot of students at ASU are very health conscious, and thought frozen yogurt would be the perfect healthy snack," she continued.
"Frozen yogurt is hot right now because we are learning so much about the benefits of the live cultures. A great meal for the health conscious is yogurt topped with some fresh fruit and nuts. Yogurtini's concept makes eating frozen yogurt even more fun and interesting," said Greta Blackburn, celebrity fitness trainer, founder of FITCAMP and long time editor of Ms. Fitness Magazine.
Created by Tempe, AZ natives and sisters, Natasha and Chelsey Nelson, Yogurtini Self-Serve offers 10 rotating healthy and fat-free frozen yogurt flavors and over 50 toppings. Additional openings are planned in Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa and Glendale. At Yogurtini, the possibilities are endless. Simply swirl it, top it, weigh it, pay it. For more information about Yogurtini and announcement of the grand opening day visit www.yogurtini.com or become a friend at www.myspace.com/yogurtini .
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