Cool in Face of Competition, Frozen Yogurt Stores Seek Standout Flavor

As the number of frozen yogurt stores within four blocks south of campus doubles to four this summer, the owners say their approaches to providing healthy options and a variety of flavors gives each a niche.

Owners of both new stores—one of which is opening on Telegraph Avenue and the other on Channing Way—said they will use new business plans by focusing on nutritional qualities to attract a health-conscious crowd.

But Yogurt Park and Michelle’s Yogurt and Sweets expect to rely on their established patronage from the 30 and 10 years, respectively, that each has operated on Durant Avenue.

“We get a lot of calls for yogurt shops that want to open up because it is popular down south and next to universities,” said Jason Leong, an agent with Commercial Lessors, which leases several stores on Southside.

Yogurt is popular in Berkeley because of its health advantages, including its low fat content and digestion benefits, said Sean Kang, owner of Papamingo, which will be opening on Channing in early June.

“I know the people in Berkeley and their main concern is about their health,” Kang said.

Both new store owners said they will aim differentiate it from the competition.

Kang said he adds his own ingredient to the mix many of his competitors use in order to create a unique taste.

“It’s not normal frozen yogurt,” Kang said. “This is a little bit tart and less sweet.”

Min Kim, owner of Ryno’s Yogurt, which will open in July on Telegraph, said he will be sell nonfat yogurt with fruit and is considering offering organic options, yogurt smoothies and breakfast items.

“We don’t want to make money at the expense of people’s health,” he said.

Yogurt Park will be relying on an established reputation and recipe that has sustained it in the past against similar competition, said Ryan Piscovich, whose father owns Yogurt Park.

“It’s something we’ve had to deal with before and done alright,” he said.

Charles Lee, owner of Michelle Yogurt and Sweets, said his store competes by trying to offer a larger regular selection of different flavors and diet options than Yogurt Park. He said he currently offers a selection similar to each of the incoming vendors’.

While Lee said competition encourages better quality, he said he is worried about the growing number of Telegraph restaurants replacing retail stores.

“I don’t think it’s healthy for the business district as a whole,” Lee said.

But Deborah Sanderson, a principal planner with the city of Berkeley, said the city is currently under the 19-store maximum quota for carry-out food services in the Telegraph Area.

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