TCBY Opens New Shop In Trinity

Imagine walking up to a frozen yogurt machine, placing a cup under the spout, and serving yourself the delicious yogurt your heart desires. It is not a dream, it is now a reality.

This past Sunday a new self serve TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) shop celebrated its grand opening in Trinity.  

Franchise owners Jay and Patti Silar opened the shop in a location in Mitchell Ranch Plaza formerly occupied by Cottage Florists. Although the Silars have no background in the food service industry, they are  excited about their new shop.

“I could have purchased the equipment from a vendor and opened up The Trinity Yogurt Shop.” explained Jay Silar. “But I wanted to serve the best yogurt in the world, and that yogurt is TCBY!”

The lighting in the store is bright, the colors vibrant, and the furniture is “gitchy.” It is a far cry from the conventional ice cream or yogurt shops.

TCBY was founded in 1981 in Little Rock, Arkansas. The company experienced significant growth, and, in 2000, Mrs. Fields Cookies purchased the company. TCBY currently has expanded to over 470 stores nationwide. Another 200 stores are in various phases of construction.

“This new look and concept is a combination of your parents TCBY, and today’s new and exciting TCBY,” said Regional Operations Manager Dan McDonald.

MacDonald says that all newly constructed stores will utilize the self-service concept, and the attractive art deco décor.

“There isn’t another self-service yogurt shop in a 100-mile radius,” said Silar. “We are also the only yogurt shop I know of that sells frozen yogurt, pies and cakes."

Customers enter the shop, pick up a cup and help themselves to one of 10 flavors that are offered daily. Vanilla, chocolate and white chocolate Mousse are offered everyday with seven other choices available as well. There are 104 flavors that are produced by TCBY, each one with its own secret recipe.

Customers pay 44 cents per ounce, and that includes any toppings they choose. They fill their cups, walk through the counter line, get their toppings served and then the cup is weighed.

“Customers have complete control over the portion size and thus how much they spend on their yogurt.” said Marketing Manager Jenifer Silar Mills. “We serve heaven in a cup.”

Another new concept at TCBY is their state-of-the-art self-serve Coke machine. At the touch of a button, this soft drink dispenser gives you a choice of 100 beverages.

“There is only one other machine like this in the state of Florida,” said Silar. Customers were infatuated with the machine, and commented that each flavor was spot on.

“I love this place,” said customer Jennifer Morgan. “The yogurt is great and the place had a real art deco feel to it.”

The new shop has plans to help out local schools. They have already sponsored a Spirit Night for Trinity Oaks Elementary, and another fundraiser is scheduled for September 27 with Longleaf Elementary. TCBY gives 20 percent of the revenues collected back to the schools.

If you would like the nutritional breakdown of the products served at TCBY you can access them on the web at www.tcby.com.

Location: 3140 Little Road, Trinity (Mitchell Ranch Plaza)

Business Hours: Mon-Thurs: Noon-8 p.m.,  Fri-Sat: Noon-10 p.m., Sun: Noon-8 p.m.