Ann Arbor: Froyo and Yogurt Vying for Ann Arbor Residents’ Taste Buds

Frozen yogurt as an alternative to ice cream has been thought of for quite a long time. However, there are these “froyo” cafes nowadays which have become a hot thing and three yogurt peddlers have been contesting for the taste bud of the residents of Ann Arbor.

Swirlberry opened just this summer as a first standalone cafe at 209 S. State. It began as a couple of complete kiosks at the Plum Market on the west side of Ann Arbor and in Bloomfield Hills. Business has been good that is why they opened at the State Street and they are planning to open another on the campus of Michigan State University.

Siwlrberry is now joining along the new YogurtRusg kiosks at two Amer’s Mediterranean Deli locations (314 S. State and 611 Church) and YogoBliss at 1229 S. University, which opened in the spring.

“In the 1970s, tart yogurt was popular, then in the ’80s and ’90s sweet yogurt from places like TCBY was the rage, and now we’re back to tart yogurt,” explains Amer, owner of Amer’s Mediterranean Deli . “It’s the new bubble tea, the new fad. It’s cyclical, like fashion.”

What’s the big fuss on froyo?

“The self-serve aspect is just more fun for the customers,” says Lindsey Haller, manager of Swirlberry on State. “They can select which kind or kinds of yogurt they want, then choose from our toppings of fresh fruit, cereal, cookies, sprinkles, syrups, whatever they want.”

Amer concurs. “YogurtRush gives customers an experience, using the frozen yogurt machines, putting on their toppings. It’s like how popular salad bars are in grocery stores now. Same idea.”

Customers take their cup of yogurt and yogurt fixings to the register, weigh them, and sold by the ounce. Swirlberry’s prices are comparable to YogoBliss’s but Amer’s target is at the student demographic.

“My whole concept is if I can’t afford it, I’m not gonna charge that to someone else,” he says, as he recalls his days as a U of M student back in the 1980s.

“Yogurt is just a great ‘in-between’ snack,” says Haller. “If you’re hungry, don’t have a lot of time, need to get to class, want something healthy, it’s perfect.”

Swirlberry offers seating, free wireless Internet, and a TV to use while you enjoy your froyo snack.

“We’re a good alternative to Starbucks,” adds Haller. “We’re even planning ‘happy hour’ specials and some other things.”

We never know when this froyo trend is going to last. But at least for now, there are several options for you to hang out.

Find an Ann Arbor Yogurt Restaurant in the Directory of Ann Arbor, MI.