U-SWIRL International Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Healthy Fast Food Inc., owner and franchisor of U-SWIRL Frozen Yogurt stores, has announced the grand opening of its first U-SWIRL location in Reno, Nev.
The opening marks the first of three U-SWIRL locations planned for the area by franchisee Galena Frozen Yogurt Company.
The new 2,200 square-foot superstore features 16 rotating and some seasonal flavors of frozen yogurt and more than 60 toppings such as seasonal fresh fruit, candy, granola and sauces. Guests pay for their individual creations by the ounce, not by the cup size. In addition, the store offers free WI-FI and late hours of operation.
The opening of the new U-SWIRL store in Reno brings the total number of self-serve locations in operation to seven: five company-owned stores opened between March and October of this year, and one other franchise store has been serving residents of Las Vegas since April 2008.
In addition to scouting commercial sites for new company-owned stores in certain target markets, U-SWIRL International is offering franchise and area development opportunities to business owners and system operators as part of its nationwide expansion effort. The estimated initial investment for a U-SWIRL franchise is $350,000 to $455,000, exclusive of real estate costs. Franchisees pay an initial franchise fee of $15,000 for a single unit, or $15,000 plus $5,000 times the minimum number for an area development agreement. The minimum number is the number of stores the company determines should be opened in the development area.
