A new frozen yogurt shop is sweetening things up in Howard County.
Matthew Park and his wife Diana spent about $300,000 to open
Iceberry in Ellicott City, hoping to get a lick at the $8.1 billion frozen yogurt market. The 40-seat store at 9150 Baltimore National Pike reopened last month after a three-month renovation that allowed the owner to add four more flavors, to a total of 10.
The shop sells smoothies and frozen yogurt in taro, green tea, orange, honeydew, and other flavors. The yogurt, along with nuts, fruit, candy, and other toppings, is sold by weight.
The frozen yogurt chain started in Korea 20 years ago and now has eight US locations in Maryland, Virginia, California and Florida. Pinkberry, Red Mango, and Tasti-D-Lite's expansion in recent years have whetted consumers appetite's for FroYo. Unlike the frozen yogurt chains that sprouted in the 90s, the newer frozen yogurt stores sell more tart flavors, making its taste similar to that of regular store-bought yogurt. The chains tout the yogurt's health benefits because it contains probiotics, said to boost the body's immune system.
But the competition is stiff, Park acknowledges. Along Route 40 in Ellicott City alone, Tutti Frutti and Yogi Castle both operate. But given the popularity of the cold stuff in the warm months, he hopes some customers will like Iceberry for its flavor and because it uses only natural ingredients.
Writer: Julekha Dash
Source: Matthew Park, Iceberry