CHRISTINA DUKE | staff writer
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Christina Duke
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| Tutti Frutti opened its doors last month and became one of three yogurt eateries within the proximity of APU. |
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With five similar businesses within a few minutes of APU, it seems that the latest trend among students is frozen yogurt.
One month ago, Tutti Frutti frozen yogurt opened its doors across the street from the university, and despite the competition it has had great success.
Students love the look and feel of the new addition to the community.
“I like Tutti Frutti because of the warm atmosphere you feel when you walk in,” junior applied exercise science major Peter Gehle said.
At Tutti Frutti, customers can mix and match 17 flavors with a variety of toppings to produce whatever combinations or amounts they like. Once finished, their price is determined by weight at 35 cents an ounce.
With many flavors to choose from, students have developed their favorites. Tutti Frutti Owner Ru Huynh, on the other hand, does not have a favorite flavor.
“I test all the flavors every day, so everything is good,” Huynh said.
Not only is the yogurt satisying, but it also provides some great health benefits. It lowers cholesterol, improves the immune system, is good for the skin, reduces stress, is a good source of protein and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
In addition to the many options, Tutti Frutti offers fundraising opportunities for groups on campus and in the community, giving them 30 percent of all yogurt sales.
Huynh has already hosted a fundraiser for APU’s South Africa team and is hosting another one soon.
Originally from Kansas City, Kan., Huynh already owns a location in Tucson, Ariz.
He decided to open another location in California.
“The temperature is better for the yogurt, and there isn’t snow [here] like in Kansas City,” Huynh said.
Huynh chose the specific location because it is close to the university and he loves being around college students.
Although Pinkberry, Yogurt Station, Paradise Juice Café and Golden Spoon are nearby, the competition does not seem to faze Huynh.
“Tutti Frutti has 87 stores already, including locations in Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, and has a great reputation,” Huynh said.
Paradise Juice Café co-owner Greg Phan, who is aware of the recent opening, says it has affected his business somewhat but he is not worried.
“People like the private owner and not the big corporations like Pinkberry and Tutti Frutti,” Phan said.
Phan says he always looking for ways to improve, and just extended his hours to 11:30 p.m.
“It is not about making money, but providing a service to people, and that’s what keeps them coming back,” Phan said.
Paradise Juice Café, also a self-serve business, charges 35 cents per ounce and gives APU and Citrus students a 10 percent discount.
In comparison, Tutti Frutti has a more modern décor, while Paradise Juice Café has a hometown feel. Pinkberry’s atmosphere is a contemporary design while Golden Spoon has remnants of a diner feel and Yogurt Station tries to link its customers with days of the past.
Tutti Frutti and Paradise Juice Café have a variety of flavors and charge the same amount per ounce. On the other hand, Pinkberry features three flavors, Yogurt Station has 10 flavors and Golden Spoon offers 12. These businesses charge per topping and flavor.
Each frozen yogurt business caters to different personalities and offers something different for customers.
Only time will tell if some businesses fail or if all will continue to flourish.
