Become your own dessert chef at Frozo's

By Kathleen Grohman

Sometimes when you want your frozen yogurt done right, you just have to do it yourself. This seems to be the thought process behind Frozo's Frozen Yogurt's self-serve setup.

Since Frozo's grand opening two months ago, the employees say that it has done pretty well. Employee Renee Motta said that business has been "quite good" and estimated that at least 45 percent of their business is purely college students.

Christina and Frong Bui, an engaged couple, own the store. They opened the store because there was nowhere close to get frozen yogurt.

"We both like yogurt, and I like to pick a little bit of each topping," said Frong Bui.

Frozo's is located on Lafayette Street right next to the Hungry Hound. Motta said that Frozo's many choices set it apart from the competition. Santa Clara has two other frozen yogurt stores near campus: Blondie's, which is located across the street from Safeway on Park Avenue, and Yumi Yogurt, which is just a short drive from campus.

At Frozo's, customers get to choose from eight flavors of frozen yogurt, including a mixed flavor in each machine. Once you have selected a regular, large or extra-large cup and filled it with the yogurt of your choice, Frozo's offers over 60 toppings and sauces, and over 15 different types of fruit.

Brave frozen yogurt lovers can try one of Frozo's more unusual toppings like animal crackers, Fruity Pebbles and kiwi, which can make for some interesting and unique combinations.

But don't expect to pay by size or number of toppings. Frozo's charges 39 cents per ounce. Unless you can accurately weigh your treat with your hands, the price can creep up on you. So if you're trying to save a little, pick light toppings like whipped cream.

After choosing their toppings, displayed on the long, buffet-style counter, customers can relax and enjoy their frozen yogurt at one of the tables. A big, blue-and-white penguin-head logo smiles out at customers from the wall while they sit and eat.

With three frozen yogurt places now all within a relatively short distance of the university, how does Frozo's, the newest addition, match up?

Junior Geoff Demander likes the atmosphere better at Frozo's than at Yumi Yogurt. "Yumi doesn't have an atmosphere," he said.

Demander, who has never been to Blondie's, enjoyed vanilla frozen yogurt with almonds and Butterfinger. He said he also liked being able to control the portion size of his frozen yogurt, which then also controls the price.

"It's like Cold Stone, but close to school and with frozen yogurt, so it might be healthier for me," he said.

I tried Golden Gate Chocolate and vanilla yogurt with chocolate chips and chocolate-covered raisins. I liked it much better than the first time I went, when I got raspberry and strawberry yogurt with no toppings.

Sometimes the toppings can cover for sub-par flavoring in the yogurt. Frozo's yogurt is a little blander than the sharp-tasting yogurt at Blondie's and softer and less frozen than the yogurt at Yumi. But when put together correctly with the right combination of toppings, Frozo's can be a delicious treat.

Open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends, Frozo's employs three Santa Clara students, which makes up half of their staff. Motta said that this Frozo's is the first, but that the owners are hoping to open more stores.

Santa Clara students are not the only people enjoying Frozo's. Two Santa Clara police officers stopped in for a treat, but said that they could not comment because they are not allowed to endorse any products. Suffice it to say they finished their yogurt.

With three frozen yogurt places near campus, students may start picking favorites.

In terms of price, Frozo's offers the most flexibility, but Yumi gives the best value in terms of pure quantity of yogurt.

For quality of frozen yogurt, Blondie's is more focused on the taste of the actual yogurt and also offers Wow Cow and real ice cream. Blondie's owner Kelly Lund said business has not changed since the opening of Frozo's.

But if you're looking for a fun atmosphere, Blondie's pale yellow walls and tropical theme has no competition.

Contact Kathleen Grohman at (408) 551-1918 or kgrohman@scu.edu.