How to Open a Yogurt Shop

Business Overview:

Learning how to open a yogurt shop is a terrific way to take advantage of the latest health craze while also offering customers a delicious treat. Traditionally, frozen yogurt is considered healthier than ice cream because it is lower in fat and calories. The latest trend, however, is to offer yogurt that contains live cultures which have benefits far beyond simply being healthier. Live cultures, also called probiotics, are healthy bacteria that are necessary for the health of the large intestine. Probiotics can also improve lactose intolerance, boost immunity and help the body absorb vitamins. As you can see, learning how to start a yogurt shop is one of the most health-conscious business ideas available today. Be sure to draw up a solid business plan to help you focus your efforts and decide if you want to purchase a franchise business. A franchise will come with just about everything you need to get started including marketing assistance, furniture, supplies and relationships with distributors. If you’re interested in starting a yogurt shop with your own recipes and want to put your own spin on frozen yogurt, a franchise might be too limiting for you. In either case, you will need to have a storefront with a lot of foot traffic or auto traffic. Putting a small shop in an outdoor mall nestled between boutiques and coffee shops will bring plenty of foot traffic through your doors. If there is room, put some tables outside so passersby can see your customers enjoying their yogurt. Having a store on a busy street will attract hungry drivers; you could even offer a drive-thru to keep your customers on the go. When you are ready to open your doors, consider having a grand opening event with large signs, balloons and free samples. Distribute fliers around town and ask neighboring businesses to tell their customers about the great new shop around the corner. If your products are delicious and unique, word of mouth will be your best advertisement.

A Day in the Life of a Yogurt Shop Owner:

Your day will begin before your shop opens. You will need to stock your yogurt cases with the day’s specials and make sure your menu is correct. If you offer other items like coffee and soda, you’ll need to get the coffee going and make sure the ice machine is full. If you have a staff working for you, you can concentrate on customer satisfaction and ensure the smooth running of your shop.

About Your Customers:

Your customers will be individuals who enjoy frozen yogurt for a sweet treat or due to the health benefits it offers.

What You Need to Start:

• Yogurt shop business plan
• Marketing plan and materials
• Storefront
• Franchise (optional)
• Refrigerator/freezer cases
• Serving items (cups, bowls, spoons, etc.)
• Yogurt (either from a distributor or you can make your own)
• Toppings and mixes (fruit, granola, etc.)
• Other menu items (coffee, soda, etc.)
• Tables and chairs
• Computer with finance software

The Good:

• Yogurt shops are very popular these days due to health benefits yogurt offers.
• A yogurt shop is a fun, casual work environment.
• Franchises are available to help you get started.
• You can hire a staff to do most of the work for you.

The Bad:

• The start-up investment is high.
• Your products need to be unique to set yourself apart from competitors.

Resources:

• National Yogurt Association
• Bureau of Labor Statistics on Food Service Managers
• Wikipedia on Frozen Yogurt
• Wikipedia on Probiotics

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