YuM Yogurt Chills Out Cranberry with Frozen Treats

With blustery weather set to sweep through the area, those in search of a cool treat to match the chilly temperatures can find it at the new YuM Frozen Yogurt in Cranberry.

Opened Dec. 28 in the former Rug Décor store on Route 228 near restaurant, YuM Frozen Yogurt features several flavors of frozen yogurts in self-serve machines. Also available is a toppings bar with a whopping array of candies, chocolates, fruits, sauces, nuts and more to choose from.  

“It’s basically the same concept as the one in Wexford, but the layout is little different and Cranberry has more toppings,” owner Bob Dickson said.

With partner Linda Rice, Dickson opened YuM Frozen Yogurt last year in the Pine Tree Shoppes. The concept was successful enough that Dickson said he and Rice decided to open a second location in Cranberry. 

“[Cranberry] has some nice restaurants that attract upscale clientele with Jimmy Wan’s and families with and ,” he said of picking Route 228 for the shop.

Prior to opening the YuM in Pine, neither of the Wexford residents had worked in the yogurt business. Dickson is CFO ofCardiacAssist Inc., a Pittsburgh-based medical device company. Rice owns and manages a small business specializing in a chemical process for cleaning rugs.

Dickson said the two decided to open a business together after visiting frozen yogurt stores in other cities to get ideas and observe the flow of business. After deciding the frozen yogurt business was a viable option for the Pittsburgh area, the two concentrated on opening a shop with fun, family atmosphere.

When it came to choosing the colors and concept for YuM, Dickson said Rice took special care.

“We wanted a warm, colorful environment,” he said. “She spent a lot of time on that.”

The owners also came up with the idea of having a polar bear theme. Since the store’s opening last month, YoBear, YuM’s polar bear mascot, has made several appearances in the area.

“He roams around the parking lot. He’s an attraction for kids,” Dickson said. “This weather is perfect for him.”

As part of the concept, the partners support the World Wildlife Federation. For every $3 tote bag sold at the store, a $1 donation is given to the federation.

Inside the store, pictures of endangered animals, including, of course, polar bears dot the bright blue walls. Upbeat music fills the room, and there is a large flat-screen television.

Dickson said the Pine location has become a regular hangout for teens and families in the area. He hopes the same will be true for the shop in Cranberry. Once the weather gets warmer, Dickson said YuM will have longer hours.

“It’s a safe place for teens, high school and college kids to hang out and talk and enjoy themselves,” he said.

Dickson said the frozen yogurt products are a healthier —and just as tasty—option for families as traditional ice cream treats. Most of the yogurts in the shop are nonfat, low fat or sugar free, he said.

“People should stop in and give it a try,” he said. “I think they’ll be pleased with the product and the experience.”