The days of ice cream are done, or at least Ilana Slonim hopes so.
Slonim is the co-owner of a new frozen yogurt shop, Ellie’s Yoberri Park, in the Bricklight District.
“There’s one of these shops on every street corner in Southern California,” Slonim said. “It’s kind of moving across the country, and we saw that it wasn’t here.”
The shop, which is named after Slonim’s close friend, had its grand opening on Halloween.
Cody Aerosmith, operating manager of the yogurt shop, said it features a changing, delectable selection of yogurt flavors, such as classic tart, chocolate and, this week, green apple and pumpkin.
Aerosmith said the flavors will change every two weeks.
“That’s the thing that keeps it interesting,” Aerosmith said. “At the least the majority of people like to have a little of variety and change things up. We change all the flavors based on what season it is.”
The frozen yogurt trend even converts long-time ice cream fans.
Former patron of Cold Stone Creamery, Angelica Avila, said she was hesitant when she first tried the frozen yogurt at Slonim’s frozen yogurt shop in Santa Fe.
“We tried it and it was amazing,” she said. “When we saw the sign saying ‘Yoberri’ coming soon, we were freaking out (because it was in Albuquerque).”
Avila said the yogurt has better flavor than ice cream.
“It tastes really natural,” she said. “This flavor is green apple — it tastes like green apple. It really does. It’s good.”
Aerosmith said one of the shop’s main draws is simplicity. Customers only make two choices: size and flavor.
“We make it simple,” Aerosmith said. “We make it easy. Compared to ice cream stores and other competitors in town, we give you a lot for your money.”
For those looking to spend a bit more, the shop offers a selection of fresh fruit, chopped daily, along with unusual but tasty dry options such as Fruity Pebbles, Aerosmith said.
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And frozen yogurt has more benefits than just great taste. It has only 1.5 grams of fat per serving, while ice cream averages 18 grams of fat per serving. Slonim said frozen yogurt also helps regulate the digestive system with probiotics, and that those who are lactose intolerant can eat it without fear.
However, most people don’t think frozen yogurt is healthier than ice cream. Emily Kennedy, a patron at Ellie’s Yoberri Park, said she was pleasantly surprised by the information.
“That’s awesome. It’s just going to make me eat more,” she said.
However, patrons should note that frozen yogurt has slightly more sugar per serving than ice cream — 17.3 grams versus 15.3 grams.
While the shop’s grand opening was Saturday, it has been open since mid-October. Aerosmith said the shop has already built up a large clientele and sells two to three hundred cups of yogurt each day.
Slonim said she opened a shop in Santa Fe last year, and it’s done exceedingly well. She expects equal success in Albuquerque.
Frozen yogurt appeals in particular to people trying to eat healthy, but it is attracting attention from more than just health nuts, Slonim said.
“Really, it’s been across the board,” she said. “Once people start eating and it feels good in your stomach, you just come back and want more. I’ve eaten it every day for the past year and I am not sick of it.”
Slonim and Aerosmith said business is slower during the winter months, but both are still confident about the venture.
“We opened in the winter in Santa Fe (last year),” Aerosmith said. “Every new business takes a little while to get recognized and established. I am really optimistic. All it takes is one try, and people will really like it.”
*Ellie’s Yoberri Park
115 Harvard Dr. SE *
