Customers lined up in the rain as early as 9:30 a.m. Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of Yogurtland at Campus Pointe and get free frozen yogurt.
“Yogurtland is a place where you can create your own,” co-owner Ajay Hira said. “It means whatever you feel and your heart desires, you can do and make. It’s a healthier option for dessert.”
Free yogurt and toppings were given away from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Yogurtland and the first 100 customers received a giant Yogurtland spoon.
Before the ribbon was cut, Hira thanked the attendees and said he appreciates their support.
“We’re very grateful for having a second store,” Hira said. “If it wasn’t for you and the Fresno and Clovis community, we wouldn’t be able to afford one.
Hira said the first Yogurtland location opened at River Park in December 2009 and the location has been so successful that they thought it would be the best time to open a second store.
“I want you to know that it really, really means a lot to see you guys come out in the rain,” Hira said. “That definitely tells me that you love Yogurtland in some way, shape, or form.”
A check for $3,127.70 was presented to Valley Children’s Hospital and 20 percent of all of the proceeds earned Saturday after the free yogurt was given to Valley Children’s.
Hira said he wanted to have a partnership with Valley Children’s Hospital when the first store was opened.
“I wanted to figure out a way that I could incorporate giving back and also becoming a success,” Hira said. “Valley Children’s was one of the first places that accepted us with open arms.”
Hira said the turnout for the grand opening was amazing, given that it was a rainy day.
“We have families. We have students,” Hira said. “The people in the community that I invited all came out, which is everybody.”
Fresno State’s mascot, Victor E. Bulldog III and Parker, Fresno Grizzlies’ mascot both stopped by to interact with fans.
Additionally, there were performances by traditional Mexican folk dancers and the Art of Shotokan Karate. Raffles prizes and gift cards to other Campus Pointe businesses were also given out to customers.
Hira said he felt great about the location at Campus Pointe and the store’s involvement with Fresno State motivated him to open the new location.
“Fresno State always shows us love when I’m on campus,” Hira said. “We do Bulldog Wednesdays with the USU and they are always telling me how much they love Yogurtland and how much they would love to have one near the college.”
Juan Cervantes said he and his family went to the grand opening of the Yogurtland at River Park and heard about the new store opening through Facebook.
“We had to come out and show support,” Cervantes said. “We actually come to Yogurtland at least once a week ”” it’s actually like a small little tradition.”
Cervantes said he loves the new location and the yogurt was worth the wait.
“It’s actually perfect for Fresno State,” Cervantes said. “Especially when it comes down to summer time, you’re going to want something to cool off. Not everybody is at the age yet where they can to go to Mad Duck Brewery and have a beer, so what better way to cool off than frozen yogurt?”
Senior liberal studies student Brittany Aikens said she waited about 40 minutes in line for the yogurt, but that it was definitely worth the wait.
“I wish they were here sooner because I’m a senior and they just got here,” Aikens said.
Aikens said she enjoyed going to Campus Pointe and that the location of Yogurtland and other businesses in the area was great for students.
“It’s easy access, I don’t have to go far because I live near here and I don’t have to drive somewhere else,” Aikens said. “You have something to do after the movies and the area is just great, I like it being here.”
Hira said Yogurtland would work on implementing student deals in the future.
“We’re open to giving back,” Hira said. “So if there’s anything that the Fresno State community wants us to come out to, we do fundraisers with clubs and we’re very open to that idea. I would say to any Fresno State student body or staff, to never hesitate to call us or reach out to us.”
