California-based Yogurtland, the leading self-serve frozen yogurt provider in the U.S., announces the debut of its first store in Illinois opening in April 2012 at 1568 East Lake Cook Road in the Wheeling-Buffalo Grove area. Chicago-area resident John Oh is the franchise owner behind the first area location and plans to open another store later in 2012 in neighboring suburb Arlington Heights at 76 S. Arlington Heights Road.

            Oh, a Kildeer resident and the father of four children, first stumbled upon Yogurtland while vacationing in Los Angeles with his family last spring. After seeing how much his children, who range from elementary school through high school-age, enjoyed Yogurtland’s self-serve frozen yogurt concept, he began looking into franchise opportunities. Shortly thereafter Oh signed an agreement to open the first two stores in Illinois, and he is also considering opening additional locations later in the near future. The company has plans to open a total of 40 stores in the greater Chicago metro area over the next 3-5 years.

            “As people are becoming more health-conscious and moving from ice cream to healthier options, the frozen yogurt industry is booming,” Oh said. “I’m looking forward to providing a healthier dessert option to kids and families in local neighborhoods.”

            Yogurtland has transformed the yogurt industry by reshaping a popular trend into an empowering new definition of a treat experience—delivering ultimate customer control. When guests walk into Yogurtland, a wow-inspiring wall of flavors and a cool modern interior with a relaxed ambience greets them. Guests can choose from classic frozen yogurt flavors that include traditional favorites such as cookies and cream or other more exotic flavors like taro, green tea, maqui berry, yuzu and guava pineapple. There are also no sugar added options available and a choice of over 35 topping selections that includes fresh fruits, nuts, cereals, candy and much more.

            Yogurtland expects continued growth throughout the states of Missouri, Illinois, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Since the opening of its first location in Fullerton, Calif. in 2006, Yogurtland has grown to more than 160 locations in the U.S., Mexico and Guam. The company is gearing up to open 550 total locations by the end of 2015. Growth will come from a combination of single and multi-unit operators. Restaurant, food service or retail experience is a plus, but is not required. For more information, please visit www.yogurt-land.com.

#####