Mochiberri Satisfies 'FroYo' and Ice Cream Fans Alike

Usually, Neysa Smith says, frozen yogurt shops don't also carry froyo's higher-calorie cousin, ice cream.

"But we like to keep our enemies close," said Smith, who owns Mochiberri Frozen Yogurt with husband, Scott. "Who am I to tell you what to eat?"

That's why in addition to smoothies, Mochiberri carries eight rotating flavors of frozen yogurt (including two tart flavors) alongside eight different ice creams.

"That's what sets us apart," Neysa said of the business at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Mochiberri has a colorful and modern vibe where customers pay by the ounce — 59 cents in this case. People serve themselves, filling their cup with as much of the frozen treat as they want. Then it's off to the toppings bar, which carries 60 different items including candy bars, chips, fresh fruit, mini donuts and, of course, mochi balls (a Gummy Bear-like treat that is made from Japanese rice cake).

The Smiths opened Mochiberri about two-and-a-half years ago. They recently completed papers to offer the concept as a franchise. The cost is low: They require a $7,500 franchise fee and a 4 percent royalty fee (less if multiple locations are opened up), Scott said.

The Smiths are no strangers to owning and running a business. Scott founded and later sold Blitz, a men's fitness chain. The entrepreneurs also name tanning salons and martial arts businesses among their previous endeavors. 

Neysa said frozen yogurt is all the rage in some circles right now because it is considered healthier than ice cream with its probiotics and lower calorie count. It certainly has customers like Lauren Schenone coming back.

"It tastes great," Schenone said of Mochiberri. "And it's convenient here at Wiregrass." 

More Information

Address: 2000 Piazza Ave Unit # 150, The Shops at Wiregrass (two doors down from GrillSmith)
Phone: (813) 406-4957
Web: www.mochiberri.com

Want curbside service? Mochiberri recently started trying out this new service. It is available through Mochiberri's website.