Cornering the Market

Taste of summer . . . all year round!

Posted

Tutti Fruitti Frozen Yogurt
28 W. Park Avenue
Long Beach
(516)  442-7222

Celebrating their first anniversary in business, Patty and Eric Berkowitz can proudly say they opened the first Tutti Fruitti shop in New York. Tutti Fruitti Frozen Yogurt is popular out west. Their daughter, Chloe, who attends college in Los Angeles, was the impetus of this venture. Chloe had raved about “this amazing yogurt place that always has a line out the door.” As residents of Long Beach, the Berkowitz family felt that their summery city was a natural spot for a Tutti Fruitti.

One of the largest frozen yogurt chains in the world, Tutti Fruitti has retail stores in China, Australia, Dominican Republic, Tahiti, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Vietnam, United Kingdom and many other countries. The self-serve frozen yogurt concept has recently become all the rage and continues to grow, globally.

Unlike a franchise, a Tutti Fruitti location can be independently designed. The Long Beach store is cheerfully rendered in bright tropical hues. There are photographs from local artists and plenty of seating. Seven self-serve yogurt machines line the wall, and flavors are changed on a regular basis. A “Toppings Bar” boasts 50 options — candies, crumbles, syrups, nuts, fruits and more. Pay by the ounce and be as creative as you’d like. Stay with your favorites or try a variety of flavors and toppings. Parents are pleased to be able to regulate what their child will consume.

“We keep our store clean and inviting,” said Patty, who operates the business on a full-time basis. “It’s a happy place. We employ local kids. Since we’ve lived in Long Beach for 26 years, we know the community and the people. And the location — right across from the train station and near the beach — is great!” Patty’s husband, Eric, works there in the evening.

Whether you are watching your sugar or gluten intake, need a lactose-free option, or one that is kosher, Tutti Fruitti has it all. Of their seven yogurt machines, one is kept strictly kosher. Another is for no-sugar-added and gluten-free. Assorted sorbets and the new soy-based soft serve are all perfect for the lactose intolerant. Flavors span from standbys like chocolate, vanillas, red velvet, peanut butter and cake batter, to the more exotic, like coconut, mango, kiwi and green apple.

Check the Tutti Fruitti Long Beach Facebook page for daily flavors and promotions (such as 12-ounces of yogurt for $1 during certain hours of a specific day). Summer hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.