News

Zoyo taking on Michigan market

August 8, 2013

Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, an Arizona-based, self-serve frozen yogurt franchise, has signed a regional development agreement with ACE Investment Properties to expand the brand into Michigan. ACE is located in Albion, Mich., and the managing director is William Dobbins. The brand hopes to open 49 locations throughout the state as part of the agreement.

"We are excited to engage in this partnership with Zoyo to actively grow the brand in Michigan," Dobbins said. "As a retired physician, frozen yogurt was a perfect fit for the healthy, active lifestyle of our family. Frozen yogurt is not just delicious, it is nutritious and provides a variety of health benefits through its active cultures."

The first pilot store will open before the end of the year in the Detroit area under Franchisees Joseph Verbeke and Emily Dobbins-Verbeke.

The brand is actively seeking additional franchisees to expand Zoyo's selection of signature frozen yogurt flavors and toppings throughout Michigan, and to be the first in their territory. Potential high growth areas include Ann Arbor and Lansing.

In 2012, Zoyo achieved system-wide positive comp growth. In addition to the expansion into Michigan, the brand currently has 10 locations throughout the Phoenix area and one in Indiana. Additional openings are planned in Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as Canada. Zoyo will also open up to three new corporate stores in Arizona within the next year, along with more locations in Indiana operated by the current franchisee in the market.

"In a crowded marketplace, Zoyo provides a relaxed, boutique environment that is a gathering place for the community," said Aaron Klusman, founder of Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt. "We serve the highest quality toppings and ingredients, and provide an atmosphere that allows families and friends to socialize and unwind. We strive to be an evening ritual for the community, similar to how coffee shops serve this audience during the morning daypart."

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