Yogurt and Such: An Owner Bent on Healthier Options

Since December 2007, Heather Giamo, owner of Merrick's Yogurt & Such, has worked to restructure the venue to create a healthy food alternative.

Giamo, a former customer, said that she had a vision of changing the store and "adding more life" to it.

"I know that people are looking for healthier foods to eat," Giamo said, "and there aren't many places like us that give them those options."

At first glance, Yogurt & Such sports a look that is akin to that of the typical deli. However, with a menu that is mostly comprised of frozen yogurts, salads, pitas, and soups, it is clear that this venue is anything but.

The menu includes 10 different salads, pita sandwiches and wraps. There are even choices for vegetarians such as veggie burgers and veggie lasagna.

Giamo hopes to expand the menu by adding more homemade soup options, more salad choices, and is currently working on adding a smoothie bar.

In addition to changing the menus, Giamo has also hired and trained a new group of people to help improve the service.

 "This business doesn't work if you don't have a great group of people helping you," Giamo said.

Giamo, who owns the store with her husband, also brings her one-year-old daughter Lexis to the store during her work hours.

"She gets along with everyone around here," Giamo said of Lexis.

Even though Giamo has brought a great deal of change to Yogurt & Such, she acknowledges that she is still looking for new ways to promote her venue.

Amongst the tasks at hand, she mentions the need to make a website to promote the store.  Giamo also hopes that the move toward a healthier menu will bring in a wider range of customers which will eventually enable her to expand.

"I hope that we can make a chain out of Yogurt & Such in the near future," she said.