16 Handles Frozen Yogurt Goes on East Coast Expansion Tear

The New York City-based frozen yogurt chain 16 Handles (with locations in Jericho, NY, Paramus, NJ, Gaithersburg, MD, and two in NYC) is about to go on a little east coast expansion tear: with four locations opening this spring in Boca Raton, FL, Clifton Park, NY, NYC, and Port Washington, NY; and then Fairfield, CT this summer.

Eight more NYC locations are planned for the next two years. It's called 16 Handles because they have, uh, sixteen flavors of frozen yogurt that people can dispense into cups all by themselves. Frozen yogurt is back!

16 HANDLES SERVES UP FLAVOR ON THE EAST COAST THROUGH FRANCHISE EXPANSION

Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt Your Way, Now Coming Your Way Soon

NEW YORK – March 14, 2011 – 16 Handles™, the unique self-serve frozen yogurt operation based in Manhattan, is on the verge of expansion nationwide and internationally, beginning with 5 new stores this spring on the East Coast and up to 8 more in NYC alone in the next two years. “It’s a tricky transition to go from mom-and-pop retailer to branded franchise operation. It certainly helps to have experience from both sides of the franchisor-franchisee relationship, say Solomon Choi”, owner and founder of 16 Handles.

16 Handles™ will open its newest locations beginning with a location in the heavily trafficked University Commons in Boca Raton, Florida in just two weeks, followed by Clifton Park, NY, later in the month. Then, local developers Bruce and Susan Cohen will open their first store on NYC’s Upper West Side, at 325 Amsterdam Avenue on April 15th. After that, Long Island developer Scott Silverman, who opened in Jericho last fall, is opening a new store in Port Washington in mid May.

“16 Handles™ is actively searching for the right franchisees or what I call "brand partners" to help with the expansion in the East Coast market as well as master franchisees for international expansion. We have brought on Erik Mallon to be our Vice President of Franchise Development to help us achieve those goals. Erik took his former franchise to over 20 countries and we anticipate great results from him joining the 16 Handles™ Team”, said Choi. Erik and his wife, Lisa, will open the first Fairfield, Connecticut location this coming summer.

These stores will feature the new award-winning design which is currently seen at the Upper East Side or Jericho locations. These stores feature LCD screens with animated flavor/nutrition facts and updated video images to showcase local promotions, new flavors and contests. As these new stores open, there will be many promotional giveaways including ipads, gift cards, cakes and t-shirts to attract local customers.

At 16 Handles™, guests can enjoy over 16 flavors, constantly rotating and “on tap”, including Pina Colada Tart, Red Velvet Cake, Blueberry Tease, Berry Medley Sorbet, Vanilla Sky and Peanut Butter Confession. There are nonfat, lowfat and gluten-free options, but all the yogurt flavors are Kosher certified and contain healthy probiotics. Each location also features no sugar added options and non dairy sorbet flavors. Guests are in control here. They select a biodegradable cup in the size they prefer (or edible waffle cup) and make their way down the line of 16 handles, each dispensing a different, delicious flavor, in just the right amount that the guest chooses. Then, they get to select from over 40 delectable toppings, at the endless toppings bar, including seasonal fresh fruits, brownie bites, carob chips, almonds, granola, yogurt raisins and much more. The regular price is 49¢ per ounce.

In addition, the newer stores offer customers custom made cakes, frozen yogurt sandwiches and take home quarts. “We are constantly offering new flavors and topping varieties based on customer feedback,” said Choi. “Our newest flavors in our lineup are Blackberry Addiction and Angel Food Cake.”

· All 16 Candles Coverage on Eater [-E-]

[Photo: Eater NY]