You Say When Yogurt Shoppe Excites 'Froyo' Fans

The economy may still be lagging, but Kevin Fitzpatrick isn’t worried that he just opened a retail business.

“I’m 60 years old – no time like the present!” said the proprietor of You Say When Yogurt Shoppe. “My wife always wanted a business and this was a time to give it to her.”

And judging by the steady stream of customers on a recent evening, frozen yogurt is the hottest cold thing going. 

With its bright color scheme and modern décor, You Say When offers what Fitzpatrick sees as fun for 49 cents an ounce. Customers are in in the driver's seat here, as the shop's name suggests. They choose a cup, then fill it up themselves with as much yogurt as they want, with the more creative folks mixing flavors. Finally, they finish it off at the toppings bar with fresh fruit, syrups, candies or even dry cereal such as Cap'n Crunch.

As residents of Tampa Palms, Fitzpatrick and wife, Ali -- a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office retiree and current employee of the Tampa Police Department, respectively -- are looking to act like a true community shop. Area students have been hired while discounts are given to employees of select local businesses.

“I’m not looking at how much I can stash,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s more about having fun. Competition is going to come but whatever they do, we will beat it." 

As an employee of nearby Jacobs Engineering Group, Theresa Whicker had 20 percent knocked off her purchase on a recent midday visit.

"I’ve been driving by saying, ‘When is this going to open?’” she said. “I like (frozen yogurt) because it’s not as sugary as ice cream."

While frozen yogurt has been hip for years in places like New York City and California, such shops are still spreading around the country. They are plentiful in places such as Orlando and South Tampa, but Manager Nicole Salce Smith said You Say When will fill a void in this region. And she added there seems to be no sign of the concept slowing down anytime soon.

"I think it's because people like to do things themselves ... and for health reasons," she said. 

Fitzpatrick is actually a recent convert to froyo. He was only introduced to the concept early this year through his son.

"Lights and bells went off," he said. "I told Ali this is the way to go!"

Although hours may be tweaked, You Say When Yogurt Shoppe is currently open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m Sundays through Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. 

You Say When is at 17503D Preserve Walk Lane. For more information, call (813) 323-5119 or visit the facebook page.