Starting a Yogurt Shop

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Are you interested in owning a food stall? You have a variety of choices in this line of business, but if you want to sell something sweet, less the calories, you can sell frozen yogurt, which is a popular and healthier alternative to ice cream. Learn from our basic guide some information and tips about starting this business.

Starting a yogurt shop is an idea you can pursue if you want to enter into the food business, particularly in the frozen dessert business.

Yogurt is a popular alternative to ice cream because of its lower fat content and health benefits, making it a dessert for everyone, including those who watch their calorie intake and the lactose intolerant.

Yogurt Shop Essentials

To start a yogurt shop you need to have an idea where to put up your store. You have the choice of the mall, the beach or any busy recreational area such as a park. You will also need equipment, the most important of which is an ice cream maker. You might also want a yogurt dispensing freezer to save on space. Then you would need a counter and cash register. You will also need supplies like cups, cones and spoons.

Yogurt Shop Menu

For your menu, you would have to work out a combination of yogurt flavors and toppings. You don’t have to have many flavors, even just two will do (vanilla, chocolate and green tea are some of your choices). But splurge on toppings. Offer a wide variety of fresh fruit toppings like raspberries, strawberries, peaches, mangoes, pineapples. You can also use other ingredients like cereal or chocolate chips.

Yogurt Shop Financials

For all of these, you would need capital to buy equipment, supplies, and enter into a lease for the space or kiosk that you will be using for your yogurt shop. Add to that is the money you will have to spend in the day-to-day operation, which should be enough for a few months until the business generates a profit. And remember that yogurt business is seasonal.

There are also frozen yogurt businesses that you can franchise. You can start a yogurt shop for $10,000. Franchising will cost more but that will already include payments for training, insurance and advertising.

326 Comments

tom said on May 16, 2009
I'm interested opening up a frozen yogurt shop I need to get more info in detail about how to start. regards,
Cheryl DeSantiago said on May 26, 2009
I am interested in opening a Frozen Yogurt Shop and need to get more information in detail on how to start the business. Thank you Cheryl
charlie said on May 29, 2009
I'm interested in opening a soft-serve frozen yogurt shop. Where do I get the yogurt? Isn't yogurt made with good bacteria so is there a powder in making yogurt? Thank you Cheryl!
David said on July 21, 2009
Hi, I'm in accessories business. But I’m also interested in opening a soft-serve frozen yogurt shop. I need to get more info in detail about how to start in New York City. What license or how many licenses do I need? Where do I get the yogurt? and more info. Thank you! Best regards.
Josh said on August 7, 2009
I'm interested in opening a soft-serve frozen yogurt shop. I would like to get more details on how to get started. Thank you much! Josh
Kim said on August 20, 2009
I'm interested in opening a frozen yogurt shop. I would like to get more information on getting started. Thanks so much for your help. Kim
hieu said on August 24, 2009
Hi, I'm new to the soft-serve yogurt business and i would like to open up a soft-serve yogurt shop please help me. I live in Florida and please give me some detail on what i need and how to open one. Thank you very much Hieu
Monique said on August 31, 2009
Hi, I'm interested in opening a soft-serve frozen yogurt shop on an Island. I would like to get more information on starting the business. Thank you! Monique
Allen said on September 5, 2009
I need help trying to open a yogurt shop, to help people in my community eat healthier. I really need help on equipment and what yogurt to carry in my soft serve machine. please help
kevin kirk said on September 7, 2009
I am living in the south pacific. The idea of opening a Yogurt shop really appeals to me after visiting LA recently and witnessing the response to the shops myself. If someone could furnish me with the equipment suppliers details I would appreciate it?
Ken Ng said on October 4, 2009
thank you for posting this article... it's really helpful... I would love to start my own Fro-yo shop soon but I wish i could learn the step-by-step process (technical side) on making soft-served frozen yogurts
can said on December 2, 2009
HI, I'M INTERESTED IN OPENING A SELF SERVE FROZEN YOGURT SHOP IN FLORIDA AND WAS WONDERING IF YOU CAN WALK ME THROUGH IN HOW TO START ONE? THANKS!
Pat Sym beginner adviser said on December 9, 2009
I am in New York and about to open up my very first Frozen Yogurt store in Westchester. While I was searching for more information on the location I was planning to have my store, I came across this site. Please,, please,,, to all of you who want to open up your own frozen Yogurt store, you are at the wrong place. The information given on this page is so general. The $10,000.00 invest to open up the store is not real. The machine itself cost approximately $15,000.00 already. I don't mind to share with you what I have been through. I found my suppliers and lot of other things that I need. I can be contact at speeed2001@gmail.com. Good luck to you all.
speeed2001@gmail.com || Expert
Daniel Ssekiboobo said on December 25, 2009
Please send me more information. i live and work in Kampala Uganda East Africa
Nader said on January 2, 2010
hello, i would like some help in opeing a frozen yogurt shop in Abu dhabi, UAE
Rebecca said on January 3, 2010
Hello there, it would be nice if you can provide me a guide in starting a self serve yogurt business as I know nothing. My location is in san francisco, CA, USA
Karim said on January 26, 2010
Hello, I would like to start a frozen yogurt shop and would like more, detailed information. My location is San Francisco, CA, US.
Mirna said on February 3, 2010
hello, i am interested to open up a frozen yogurt shop, My location is in Kuwait! I need some more information on how to start, suppliers? machines? flavors?
Kayla said on February 16, 2010
Hi Does anyone know where to get the cheesecake bites from, already cut? or do I just need to keep getting a big cheesecake and cutting it into little squares? thanks
Jess said on February 19, 2010
I am interested in starting a fro-yo shop and would like more information on how to start. I would like to start it in Duluth, Minnesota. What steps do I take?
Erik said on March 8, 2010
I am looking to open a self serve yogurt shop in Florida and am looking for some tips on how to get this up and running. I have been in contact with a couple of machine suppliers as well as a real estate agent for a location but looking for some other information. Please help if you can. Thanks!
zhen said on March 10, 2010
I am interested in opening a frozen yogurt store. I will like to know what license are need in new york city. please answer my question . thanks
Jose Monterrosa said on March 24, 2010
I am planning to open a small yogurt business i will like to know what i need to open this kind of business, I live in Palm Springs Area.
michelle ericson said on March 26, 2010
natal, Brazil. I'm thinking about opening up a yogurt shop in brazil. i was wondering how much machines are there, and if you had any idea of how to get started on making the actual yogurt. what do i need to start? but my biggest question right now is the cost of machines. michelle E
LG said on April 18, 2010
I would like to open a soft serve yogurt shop in Miami, Fl and would like more information on how to go about that. Please help with as much info as possible. Thank you!
Ayman said on April 22, 2010
I am interested to open up a frozen yogurt shop, Las Vegas, NV, How I can find the machine first and the yogurt powder for soft serve frozen yogurt. Plz help, I try to do this summer, Thanks
Andy Nguyen said on April 22, 2010
I'd like to start a self serve frozen yogurt but do not know where to start. Thank you for your help in advance. Thanks.
Saira said on April 25, 2010
I am interested in opening a self-serve frozen yogurt store and would like more information on how to start. I would like to open it in San Diego, CA
Mark Sarmiento said on May 2, 2010
I am interested to open up a frozen yogurt shop, DUBAI UAE, How I can find the machine first and the yogurt powder for soft serve frozen yogurt. Plz help, Any related in yogurt shop that will help me to materialize the business. We are processing our trade license now. please reply. thanks, Mark
Kelly Troyer said on May 19, 2010
Need info on how to start up self serve frozen yogurt store. Can you help
Mutasem Zayed said on May 26, 2010
I am interested to open up a frozen yogurt shop, Kuwait, How I can i find the machine and the yogurt powder for soft serve frozen yogurt. Any related in yogurt shop that will help me to materialize the business. We are processing our trade license now and budgeting study. Regards, Zayed
Kevin Cho said on May 27, 2010
I need help in soft-serve frozen yogurt shop in San Fernando, CA.
Claudia Martin said on May 30, 2010
I am interested in having my own business in VANCOUVER, BC. CANADA and frozen yogurt could be on top of my list. I need help and info on how to start up a frozen yogurt store. Or do you have any ideas about what is the trend in successful business in Vancouver?
Arlene said on May 31, 2010
Interest in starting a frozen self-serve yogurt shop in Los Angeles, CA. What is needed to start up a shop? For example yogurt suppliers (including machines), start up costs, etc. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Francis Luong said on June 9, 2010
I'm interested in starting up a self-serve yogurt shop in Denver, CO. What do i need to start up the shop? Can you provide me with as much information as you have. I'm trying to get some tylor machine top of the line and was wondering where i can find that as well as information on yogurt suppliers like yoplait
jan rhodes/huff said on June 21, 2010
HI...I AM INTERESTED TO START A SOFT FROZEN YOGURT IN THE CITY OF NASHVILLE. I NEED TO FIND THE INGREDIENTS FOR SOFT ORGANIC YOGURT AND WOULD LIKE TO EXPERIMENT SOME WITH DIFFERENT TASTE AND FLAVORS. HOW CAN I DO SOME OF THIS TASTING AND EXPERIMENTING WITH TASTE BEFORE HAND. BEST REGARDS, JAN HUFF
alia said on June 23, 2010
HI, I'm trying to open up a location in CA Westminster. Please send me information as ingredients, equipment, start up cost and suppliers. Thanks
Matt Jackson said on June 30, 2010
Germantown TN I have been wanting to open a yogurt shop but i need help finding the right stuff for it can you please help me?
Lynn said on July 1, 2010
Hello, I'm hoping you can help me. I've been on a crusade to find it, and I am having no luck. I'm looking to find a yogurt mix supplier for my shop that will be in Idaho. I need a no sugar added mix that is low in calories. There seems to be only 1 or 2 manufacturers, and I know there has got to be more out there somewhere. I also need a mix that is sweetened with a sugar substitute, and low calorie like splenda. It Does need to be frozen yogurt. I know the options would be easier if it were ice cream. Please help me with this as soon as possible. Thank you
Marg said on July 8, 2010
I'm in san antonio TX please send me information on where i can purchase all the items i need to open a yogurt shop, including recipes ! thank u
Shanica Burrell said on July 12, 2010
I would like to start a self serve frozen yogurt shop in Arlington Tx. Please send me info on starting up, getting supplies, and getting equipment. Thanks
Courtney said on July 14, 2010
Hello, I was hoping to find out how to explore different frozen yogurt shop franchises, and typically how much beginning would cost in the North Texas area? Thank you for your advice.
manjula said on July 16, 2010
Me and my sister would like to open yogurt place in California(Bay area) and in NJ(Central Jersey). We need assistance on setting up and training. Please let us know how to go about it in these 2 states i.e. any licenses needed, getting supplies for the frozen yogurt and the equipment. Also we want to have some organic flavors along with regular flavors. Is it economically feasible? Please send us info regarding our question. thanks.
Kate said on July 18, 2010
Hi, I would love to start a frozen yogurt shop in Florida. I need assistance on setting up, training, licenses, supplies, equipment.
Cliff said on July 18, 2010
Hello, I am a provider of frozen yogurt mix from Korea which is main ingredients when you make yogurt ice cream. I have quality product and have provided the products in our local Korean market for 3 years and just started overseas sales. just happened to find this web page, and it is quite interesting to me. Anybody who is interested in distributorship or dealership of our product, please contact.
hamid moaref said on July 21, 2010
Hi dear, I am opening a frozen yogurt business in IRAN, and need the mix powder, Please give me more info about your product and prices. Kind regards
Kaitlyn Doan said on July 22, 2010
Hello, I live near Austin, Texas and I would like to open a self serve yogurt shop. I need help on anything that can help me open a shop. Thank you.
sky said on July 26, 2010
what is the different between frozen yogurt and yogurt? how much will cost for the equipments?
Cliff said on July 26, 2010
Hello Hamid, I just stepped into this morning and found your post. I would like to post my e-mail but have to worry so many spams,,, Could you post your phone number so that I will contact you for further conversation? In case my phone number is 0082-10-8756-6384 Thanks!
Cliff said on July 26, 2010
Dear Sky, We say normally frozen yogurt is yogurt base ice cream. Yogurt is yogurt dairy beverage like milk you drink.
jag dhillon said on July 27, 2010
I own a subway sandwich shop in california and i have a space next to me empty which is owned by me also. I would like to open up the space and add yogurt shop to my existing subway would you please guide me how to get started thanks. jag
Katia Odio said on July 27, 2010
I am interested in starting a self serve yogurt place in Costa Rica. How can I find more detailed information? Is there a book or material that can be bought?
Nick Nguyen said on July 29, 2010
I am also interested in opening a self serve yogurt shop in Florida. Please provide any details information about how to start the business, contacts on where to buy equipments, set up, etc...thank you. Nick
Jonathan Vu said on August 1, 2010
I'm new to this business and I'm interested in open the self-served frozen Yogurt shop in Texas. Where can I get the details info on how to set up? Thanks and Regards, Jonathan
kim said on August 9, 2010
anyone! please help me gather info on how to open a self serve yogurt co. i have no experience and have no clue where to begin but am eager to start one! please help!! =)
Frutiyo Frozen Yoghurt said on August 14, 2010
Cliff, Frozen yogurt is not ice cream. It does not contain CREAM, and unlike icecream, frozen yoghurt is actually good for you because of the probiotic cultures that it contains. Regards Steve
TAnn said on August 14, 2010
Looking to start a frozen yogurt shop in Texas. Any help on licenses would be appreciated.
marius said on August 15, 2010
hello, i'm interested in opening up a yogurt shop, college area chicago, il. i've been researching the machines and other equipment. what have you seen used as far as machines (ex: taylor) which ones, what model. and also the main part is where to get the soft serve powder. thank you for your help
GUIDO BUCHELI said on August 15, 2010
Hi I am interested in opening up self serve yogurt shop in Sacramento, CA. I don't know where to start
Alex said on August 16, 2010
i am interested in opening up a yogurt shop, i have a lots of experience in business but not in yogurt shop. I would like to know where and what kind of the machines and what model i should get. I would like to open in Falls Church, VA or Rockville, MD best regards. Alex
Eric said on August 18, 2010
I'm looking to open a yogurt parlor in the California, Bay area surroundings. I need step by step information to help me out with getting this dream off the ground. Thanks
Roxanne said on August 20, 2010
I also would like to know cost to start a yogurt shop in Los Angeles ca. I understand that it's more than 10,000. but i would like to know more of an accurate figure, what numbers am i looking at with equipment and supplies. I really would appreciate your help. Thanks, Roxanne
ken said on August 24, 2010
i want to open a yogurt shop in dallas metro area. some advise please
cheryl said on August 26, 2010
we are negotiating for a great space in florida. so we'll have the location but nothing else... we want 6 machines...which ones? we don't want powder mix...so which yogurt tastes best....help
MM said on August 27, 2010
I am interested to open up a frozen yogurt shop in Jordan -Amman, How can i find the machines( what model i should get)and How can i find the yogurt powder for soft serve frozen yogurt. Any related in yogurt shop that will help me to materialize the business. and budgeting study. Please I need step by step informations. Regards, MM
kathy nguyen said on August 27, 2010
i am really interested to open a yogurt shop in MD. But i don't know where to start it first, and Where to get the supplies and machine. Please ...help me step by step. Thank you.
cheryl said on August 29, 2010
has anyone heard that there is a 5 month back order on taylor and electo-freeze machines?
Karen said on August 30, 2010
I am interested in opening a soft serve yogurt shop in Oklahoma. Do not no where to start. In information would be helpful. Thinking about organic.
Dennis said on September 4, 2010
Like most above me, I am interested in starting a yogurt shop except in San Diego. I would like to know how to do that and if someone already has a business plan to share showing costs etc so I can get a loan. Also if you have information as to where to get machines and supplies. I'm A-type personality and want to get doing this quick so Help!!! Thank you! :)
cheryl said on September 5, 2010
after doing my due diligence...we bought 6 electro freeze machines instead of taylor. the difference was not enough to justify the difference in price
Mar said on September 6, 2010
I want to open a self serve yogurt business in San Antonio, TX. I need information on different machines, buy or lease options and all related ingredients. Thanks for your help.
rotha chey said on September 6, 2010
i am interested in opening a yogurt shop like Yogertland, can u tell me where i can buy the machines and the products. thanks
Susan said on September 7, 2010
I am interested in opening a yogurt shop and I need to know where and how to select the machines and product needed. I am located in Cincinnati Ohio. Do you know if some of the more popular yogurt places like Pink Berry created their own or if they get their product from a supplier? thanks
Bob kapoor said on September 11, 2010
I want to open yogurt shop and need to know where to buy machines and products. Regards Bob Kapoor orangevale ca. 95662
Chloee said on September 12, 2010
I would like to start my frozen yogurt business in Johor, Malaysia. Please let me know where can buy the products and materials. Thanks.
bev in bradenton sarasota fl. said on September 15, 2010
like to know if someone is also interested in a joint venture of frozen yogurt and smoothies also coffee bar etc. I have location that is in strip mall with other restaurants and great foot and street traffic please respond if interested
John said on September 21, 2010
I am opening up a self serve yogurt shop in Palm Beach and hopefully one in Miami. Yo Cream put mr in touch with Deerfield Ice Cream Factory in Fort Lauderdale. A gentleman named Dan was able to help me with products, machines, and contacts for just about everything else you could need. He has been very helpful and I wanted to share this info. His email is info@deerfieldicecreamfactory.com
John said on September 25, 2010
Dont pay for the information. The local vendors will give you the information and put you in touch with the right people for free. They want your buisness so they will help you for free. Your success is just as important to them. Call this guy Dan at 1(800)yesdicf first. He got me a hook up for machines, dry toppings and supplies, even though I only buy mix from him. He was very helpful and gave me several names and many different options.
Seong Roh said on September 29, 2010
I would like to set up frozen yogurt shop but I don't know where to start. Please give me information about vendors and equipments. Thank you.
John said on October 4, 2010
Seong Roh. What city are you in. The vendors and equipment suppliers are different in every area. In South Florida I used Deerfield Ice Cream 1 888 yes dicf.
Jim said on October 5, 2010
My location is in South Florida Sunrise area. I wanted to know what it would cost about to open a frozen yogurt shop. I am not interested in a franchise. Thank you, Jim Hatziyannakis
John said on October 7, 2010
It depends on how much you spend on equipment. My store will run me 75,000 beginning to end. The equipment was the most expensive part.
John said on October 13, 2010
I tried an organic frozen yogurt from whole foods. It wasn't soft serve, but wasn't bad. If they have it in hard pack frozen yogurt, you should be able to find it in soft serve. Like I said before, I know YoCream makes one.
martha said on October 13, 2010
hi i have 2 taylor frozen yogurt machines if interested email me and ill give you further details. thank you. email is martishayli@Att.net
Mohamed Gueye said on October 18, 2010
Hello There, I am in the process of starting a yogurt shop in Lakewood Ca, and need all the info that I can get.(vendors, equipment suppliers, yogurt mix, flavors, toppings etc....and all my other options. Thanks,
sonny said on October 20, 2010
I am interested opening self serve frozen yogurt shop in columbus ohio , I already have location, want to get more information how difficult it is to get frozen yogurt ? food cost ? profit margin ? what kind of business one can expect ? do not want to pay hefty franchise fees, any help will be appreciated thanks. email me at" ohiofroyo@gmail.com
Linda Kim said on October 21, 2010
Hello, I am a provider of frozen yogurt mix from California which is main ingredients when you make yogurt ice cream. I have quality product and have provided the products in our local California, Maylasia, and texas market.Just happened to come across this web page, and it is quite interesting to me. Anybody who is interested in distributorship or dealership of our product, please contact me at linda@krcoltd.net or visit our website at www.krcoltd.net
Sam said on October 24, 2010
hi there I'm looking forward to start this business in Iran,I just need to know where and how I can get all the essentials...or maybe you can introduce some places in Dubai that I can purchase them. Thanks so much
joe staszak said on October 25, 2010
I want to open a self serve frozen yogurt shop in suburban Philadelphia, PA. How do I select a good location and is there a sample business plan available? Thanks
pauline said on October 28, 2010
Hi , I m interested to set up a yogurt shop in Singapore. I want to know what do i have to consider and what are the initial problems faced? please give me more information. Thanks!
Tex Toh said on December 2, 2010
I'm a owned a business in sports. And I'm interested to setup a yogurt shop in singapore. Do advise by sending email to my acc. Tex
vince said on December 5, 2010
Hi I would like to setup a frozen yogurt in Malaysia. Please advice what should i consider. Thanks
Margie said on December 6, 2010
I would like to know the deal of how to open a frozen yogurt place. Please provide me with the supplier and where to get the machines (types of machines). Please provide me deals. Thanks!
Dan said on December 8, 2010
Hello Margie. I work for DICF. We work with companies that handle everything. Machine sales, frozen yogurt mixes and toppings. Feel free to contact me at info@deerfieldicecreamfactory.com
David said on December 24, 2010
I just bought a Chinese soft serve machine from Frozen Yogurt Solutions in Florida. Pretty good price and works good. Might get another in the spring if business picks up.
Mert Aydin said on December 30, 2010
If you are seriously interested in opening your own location, or if you just need yogurt machines, please contact me at mertaydin@myslimberry.com.
ralph wakim said on January 8, 2011
i am interested in opening frozen yogurt outlets in lebanon. please provide me with suppliers information, yogurt flavors and toppings. thank you!
Juliana Wee said on January 9, 2011
I am interested in opening soft serve yogurt shop in Singapore. Where can i get an good yogurt machine in Singapore. With maintenance provided in Singapore too. Please provide me with suppliers information, yogurt flavors and toppings. Please provide me detail by emailing thru. jweeli@live.com
Hann Ming said on January 16, 2011
Hi, I am interested in opening my yogurt shop in Singapore and I need some advise where to get the yogurt dispenser. I also appreciate you can share with my yogurt flavors and toppings most commonly used. Please provide me the details by email at hannming77@yahoo.com.sg. Appreciate your sharing.
Ahmed said on January 17, 2011
Hi, I am interested in opening my yogurt shop in Dubai and I need some advise where to get the yogurt dispenser & yogurt machine. I also appreciate you can share with my yogurt flavors and toppings most commonly used. Please provide me the details by email at a_almatroushi@yahoo.com Appreciate your sharing

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