Tutti Frutti Invades Southgate Centre

Sleek new Tutti Frutti Southgate location

Tutti Frutti opened its second location in Edmonton, this time at Southgate Centre. Located in a store front just around the corner from The Bay, this location is smaller than it’s original Edmonton location, but has a sleeker look. Although the wall of frozen yogurt machines is clad in the same baby blue plexi like material, the orange ceiling, and crystal red chairs add eye-catching and refreshingly different bits of color.

Variety of toppings

Franchisee Gene Yong chose to become a part of the Tutti Frutti family as he felt it was the perfect business for him as he really enjoyed the product, and wanted a business that wasn’t as intensely time consuming and stressful as a restaurant. When a storefront in Southgate Centre became available, he jumped at the opportunity, feeling it was the perfect location for his franchise store. It is far enough from the food court and other food retailers that he would have little competition in this location, but with enough foot traffic to lure in those passing by. Meanwhile those already aware of Tutti Frutti’s existence that are already in or passing by the mall would likely intentionally seek it out.

My creation

Tutti Frutti Canada franchise owners Angela Seto and husband Kwok Cole (Corrected July 30, 2012), were on hand to greet VIP’s, media, and hand out swag bags, as well as oversee the public grand opening event later that day. The swag bags themselves were reusable and eco friendly insulated bags that they sell at their Whyte Ave store for those wanting to take frozen yogurt home with them. Inside there was a short informational piece on Tutti Frutti, a 4GB USB flash drive, a $2 off frozen yogurt card valid until the end of September and a Tutti Frutti gift card!

Flavors on hand for the day included Death by Chocolate, Soy Peanut Butter, Melon, Taro, Green Tea, TF Tart, Blueberry, and the new Salted Caramel. VIP’s were invited to try as many flavors and toppings as they wished, and my new favorite combination includes mixing Death by Chocolate with Salted Caramel, topping with blueberries, strawberries, oats and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. With ever changing frozen yogurt flavors and toppings, you can create a new flavor combination every visit. 

Long lines for free froyo

To celebrate the grand opening, Tutti Frutti was giving away free frozen yogurt between 12pm – 3pm, as well as prizes, the remainder of their opening day consisted of $2 off frozen yogurt for those who brought a donation for the Edmonton Food Bank. The line up for their free frozen yogurt promotion started well before 11am and by noon snaked around the corner to The Bay, around the nearby seating area, and down the adjacent hallway. Some rough counts by others pegged the numbers between 150-200 people deep. 

Check them out the next time you’re in Southgate Centre, the frozen yogurt is moolicious and the location is convenient for those who live near Southgate Centre or the LRT. I know that I’ll be there often now that it’s just a short train ride away.

UPDATE (July 30, 2012): Final numbers peg the free frozen yogurt give away at around 3,000 people! Edmonton REALLY loves their frozen yogurt! The promotion went on for the entire afternoon until closing time and even then, they had to turn people away. Sounds like they had an extremely successful event! Congratulations Tutti Frutti Southgate!

More photos at PhotoBucket.

Tutti Frutti Southgate

Unit 46B - 5015 111 St
Edmonton, AB  T6H 4M6

587-521 4896

Twitter: @TFFroyoYEG

(Note: There was no financial compensation from Tutti Frutti Southgate for this blog post, although they provided free frozen yogurt and a swag bag. Any review provided by me will completely reflect my thoughts and opinions – good or bad, and will not be swayed by having free frozen yogurt and a swag bag provided.)