YoFresh Yogurt Holds Grand Opening Event

YoFresh Yogurt Cafe, which officially opened Nov. 19, held a formal grand opening event Saturday to celebrate its debut in Oak Creek.

YoFresh, located in the North Shore Bank building at the corner of Howell and Puetz, offered 50 percent off all yogurt purchases until 1:30 p.m. Children could also enjoy face painting and YoFresh balloons.

The event kicked off when Mayor Steve Scaffidi, as well as co-owners Steve Karabon and fiancée Annie Piontek, cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Several customers were in the store before the noon ceremony, waiting for their chance to try one of the several frozen yogurt flavors available, which range anywhere from vanilla to cappuccino. Customers can also choose a variety of toppings, which includes assorted fruits, candies and syrups.

"We didn't even know this place had opened up. We were out shopping when we saw the grand opening signs on our way home and decided to check it out," said Mickey Butler of Greendale, as she helped her children get seated. "This is certainly delicious though."

YoFresh hopes it can continue to stir up public excitement for its business concept.

"We haven't taken out any space for advertising before the grand opening," said Zach Piontek, a manager at YoFresh. "All of our advertising has been through word of mouth. Hopefully we can maintain that.

"We actually have the space for families to come in, sit down and enjoy themselves. If people enjoy the experience, they'll tell others about it."

The Oak Creek shop is the first licensed YoFresh franchise in the Midwest. Karabon and Piontek are hoping they can bring something new and unique to the community. They believe frozen yogurt is a healthier option than ice cream.

Since construction on YoFresh began in August, Oak Creek residents have been buzzing about the opening of the new franchise. An official Facebook page for the Oak Creek YoFresh was created during the start of construction, allowing the public a view into the process of opening a franchise chain.

YoFresh has stores in Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Other stores are opening soon in Connecticut, Maryland, South Carolina, and Virginia.

The Oak Creek YoFresh store is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.