Pilgrim Talks: Larry Sidoti - Yogurtland

Larry Sidoti, Vice President of Development and Operations Yogurtland is pioneering the customer-created frozen yogurt experience by combining irresistible yogurt flavors with an exciting franchise business model.

Yogurtland stores feature 16 original sweet and tart flavors of self-serve frozen yogurt from a rotating menu of more than 50 selections that include both classic and exotic flavors, including no sugar added choices. Customers become the architect of their frozen yogurt creation by mixing and combining flavors and topping their yogurt with a choice of over 35 toppings that include fresh fruits, nuts, cereals, candy and much more. Price is determined by the total weight of the customer's cup. The company's structure and culture is built around continuous improvement and operational excellence, supported by top-level training programs reinforced by continuous franchisee support. Yogurtland is recognized as a leader in the self-serve frozen yogurt sector. Its combination of premium quality products, superior service, attractively designed stores and vast selection of flavors and toppings in a self-service environment set Yogurtland apart from any other frozen yogurt concept. Founded by Phillip Chang, Yogurtland opened its first location in Fullerton, Calif., in 2006. In its first year, Yogurtland served more than 25,000 customers each month. Prior to founding Yogurtland, Chang founded, developed and launched Boba Loca in 2001, a 33-store specialty drink chain in Southern California that serves Boba Tea or bubble tea, a refreshing Asian beverage, as well as a variety of other drinks. Yogurtland has over 170 locations throughout the Unites States, Mexico and Guam. The company expects to have 75 additional locations either open or in development by the end of 2011, expanding to more than 1,000 total locations by the end of 2017. The focus will be on expanding existing markets in Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin), Atlanta, Portland, Seattle and the Tri-State Area surrounding New York City. Targeted new markets include Chicago, Ill., Alabama, Maryland, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. International growth is also on the radar. The company currently has two locations on Guam and 23 stores in Mexico. An additional 10 stores are planned for Mexico in 2012 as well as a location in Puerto Rico, slated to open later this year. Furthermore,Yogurtland will open four units in Venezuela in 2012.

To learn more about Yogurtland, go to yogurt-land.com