© Sydney Yorkshire
Los Angeles’ first all-organic and vegan soft-serve frozen yogurt shop, Yoga-urt, announces the launch of its first franchise location in Granada Hills, in the MODERNO La Granada complexon Chatsworth Street. With locations in Glendale, Echo Park, and Santa Monica, this marks the brand’s fourth storefront overall.
The Granada Hills shop, led by entrepreneurs Andrea Castillo, Jonathan Quiros, and Diego Castillo, will offer Yoga-urt’s signature made-from-scratch, 100% dairy-free yogurt featuring six rotating “creamy and vibrant flavors.” Yoga-urt’s signature heart mural, painted by Cloe Hakakian, adorns the shop.
“I feel grateful for the opportunity to offer the Granada Hills community ( … ) Yoga-urt’s better-for-you selection of wholesome and authentically crafted soft-serve”
The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, August 3, where Yoga-urt Granada Hills will offer special promotions, including free minis with one topping to the first 50 visitors and two dollars off all birthday cake shakes to welcome area residents.
“As a proud Granada Hills resident, I am overjoyed to bring a delicious product to our neighborhood. I feel grateful for the opportunity to offer the Granada Hills community a peaceful and communal space where they can indulge in Yoga-urt’s better-for-you selection of wholesome and authentically crafted soft-serve,” said Castillo.
© Yoga-urt Healthier treats
Founded in 2015 by Melissa Schulman, Yoga-urt launched its franchise concept last year. The brand offers a variety of ice creams made from hand-squeezed almonds and cashews infused with probiotics.
“I’ve always dreamt of having multiple Yoga-urt locations, and franchising is the best way to expand”
Its flavor range includes Chocolate Bliss, Strawberry Serenity, Salted Caramel Zen, Beautiful Blueberry, Cookies & Cream, Lavender Blossom, naturally sweetened Sweet Greens, and Vanilla Harmony.
Options to enjoy the soft serve include Yoga-urt branded compostable cups, gluten-free cones, ice cream cookie sandwiches (baked from repurposed almond and cashew pulp), and frozen pies. The chain also offers coffee from LA’s famous Groundwork Coffee Co. and tea from The Art of Tea.
© Sydney Yorkshire Yoga-urt beyond the city
Yoga-urt’s three existing stores are all certified as California Green Businesses, using compostable or recyclable paper products for items such as spoons and cups. While franchisees are not required to obtain official certification, they are encouraged to adhere to the brand’s eco-friendly practices and use sustainable paper products.
The vegan soft-serve chain has been recognized by the Los Angeles Times, VegNews, and the Glendale News-Press. The City of Santa Monica also awarded it the Sustainable Quality Excellence Awards.
“I’ve always dreamt of having multiple Yoga-urt locations, and franchising is the best way to expand. I aim to help other like-minded entrepreneurs to own their own business and, in turn, give people outside of Los Angeles the possibility of experiencing our delicious plant-based frozen yogurt treat,” said Schulman.
