From fudge to cereal, frozen yogurt shop offers variety

ZANESVILLE – When it comes to toppings, the new sweetFrog frozen yogurt shop on Maple Avenue is all about options.

Fruit-lovers can top their frozen yogurt with banana slices, raspberries, blueberries, kiwi slices or cherries, among other choices. Those with a liking for richer flavors might try hot fudge or nuts. And those who want something distinctive could opt for gummy bears, fruity cereal or waffle cone bits.

It's the sheer diversity of flavors that Zanesville sweetFrog co-owner and manager Sam Kwon said he hopes will make the yogurt shop notable amongst other suppliers of frozen treats.

After choosing a frozen yogurt flavor from the self-serve machine — choices include cake batter, chocolate, Hawaiian delight and peanut butter to name just a few — customers then head down a line to load up their yogurt with as many toppings as they want.

"People can make a combination of whatever is their choice, and with so many different flavors to choose from, it's a way to be unique," Kwon said.

Because the shop will stay open year-round, Kwon hopes to add seasonal flavors while still keeping traditional favorites constant.

Prices are determined by the final weight of the desert, not the number of toppings. Customers can eat in the large, bright dining area or take their dessert to go.

"We try to make things fun, family-oriented and colorful here," Kwon said

He added that he hopes the sweetFrog mascots — two large-headed frogs who occasionally hand out coupons outside the shop — will help create a light-hearted environment for people of all ages.

The sweetFrog name, and its corresponding mascots and merchandise, has become one of the fastest-growing companies of the past half-decade, according to a yearly ranking produced by Inc. magazine. A Christian-based company that got its start in Richmond, Virginia, in 2009, its "frog" name is actually an acronym for "Fully Rely On God."

Kwon said his main goal is providing fun dessert options for Zanesville residents.

"We just want you to try it to find your own combination," Kwon said, "and you might find something new."

epsmith@gannett.com

740-450-6772

Twitter: @evansmithreport

If you go

• What: sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt

• When: Hours are noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday through Saturday and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

• Where: 3259 Maple Ave.