Fro-Yo: The $1 Billion Opportunity

$1 Billion fro-yo market creates huge opportunities for immigrant entrepreneurs

Overview

Let’s YO!, a self-serve yogurt concept developed by Eric Casaburi, the founder of Retro-Fitness gyms, is on the cutting edge of new franchise opportunities.  The frozen yogurt or “fro-yo” industry has projected annual revenues of $935 million by 2017, driven by health-conscious Americans and their love for great tasting treats that are easy on the waistline.  The biggest competitors in the sector are TCBY, Pinkberry and Red Mango.

The Company

Let’s YO! was  launched in 2011 by Retro-Fitness, LLC, headquartered in Colts Neck, New Jersey. In less than two years, Let’s YO! already has nearly 50 units open or in development, which is amazingly fast growth for a new franchise. Why has it taken off so quickly?  Because Casaburi and his team have married a very popular dessert treat with something Americans find equally addictive: social media.

The frozen yogurt or “fro-yo” industry has projected annual revenues of $935 million by 2017

The Secret Ingredient

Each Let’s YO! location is equipped with the latest technology, including iPads, and plasma screen televisions. An LCD screen shows customers every flavor available in the store.  Customers can login to their Facebook accounts, email and chat with their friends just like they were in their own living rooms. Furthermore, Let’s YO! is using social media and interactive marketing programs to stay connected and grow it’s customer base. As with Retro-Fitness, the experience of Let’s YO! is just as important as having a great product.

“Let’s YO! has significant curb appeal that offers an unrivaled customer experience,” sums up Casaburi, CEO.  “We have taken what we learned with Retro-Fitness gyms and applied those concepts to create an incredible value proposition for investors.”

The Product

As an owner and franchisee, you’ll run a high-concept yogurt shop, offering hundreds of flavor combinations and toppings, as well as new menu items such as coffee, breakfast granola and waffles. Typically, you’ll hire employees to handle food preparation and retail sales, and may let the Let’s YO! team hire and train your store manager as well. While some franchisees choose to be absentee owners, others are  involved with hiring, marketing, bookkeeping, and accounting.

“Let’s YO! has significant curb appeal that offers an unrivaled customer experience,”

Training

Even if you’re new to the food industry, the Let’s YO! team will bring you up to speed in no time through an intensive series of workshops, online courses and hands-on training.  Let’s YO! has a training facility that includes a fully functioning retail location that’s open to the public year round.

Location, location, location

Casaburi and his management team believe finding the right site for your franchise is a critical part of success, which is why they have a full-time real estate manager to help find the ideal location based on their analysis of market demographics and ease of access. Whether your site is in a retail strip mall, a kiosk in a shopping mall, or a renovated downtown building, once it’s  approved, the Let’s YO! team stays with you through real estate negotiations, construction and vendor approvals, making sure that you’ll be open for business as quickly as possible.

Startup Costs

There are a number of variables affecting startup costs, including the cost of real estate in the selected location, and the square footage of the new store. However, the projected total investment will usually fall within a range of $354,300 – $547,500. In an era when some franchises require investments in the millions of dollars, Let’s YO! represents an attractive price point for newcomers to franchising, especially immigrant entrepreneurs.

Get Started with your own Let’s Yo! store

Financing

Let’s YO! does not provide direct financing for its franchises, but if needed, they offer this service through a third party.

Looking for financing? Read Your Financing Guide

Marketing Support

The Let’s YO! team will fully support you with strong marketing and advertising programs, along with a complete package of communications and branding tools.
 Working from a solid brand and sales growth strategy, their team of marketing veterans will develop and manage all system-wide tactics as well as assist you with specific ways to promote your store locally.

For More Information on Let’s YO!

Let’s YO!

43 County Road 537
Colts Neck, NJ
(732) 431-0062