A MUCH-loved frozen yogurt chain is making a “healthier” comeback after filing for bankruptcy.
Once a cultural icon of the 80s and 90s, TCBY is reopening its first US store in more than a year after its parent company went bust in 2011.
Sign up for the Money newsletter
Thank you!
TCBY is making a comebackCredit: Refer to Source
The frozen yogurt chain, originally launched in 1981 in Little Rock, Arkansas, was the nation’s first major froyo brand and quickly became a household name.
Its rapid popularity propelled it to go public just two years after opening, and at its height, TCBY boasted roughly 3,000 shops around the world.
But after a period of decline, the brand was forced to shutter a number of its stores.
Back with a bang, the shop has remodelled itself to suit a new, health-conscious generation.
NOT SO SWEET
Recall as deadly item found in Häagen-Dazs ice cream sold across 31 US states
CREAM OF THE CROP
Canelo’s rise from selling ice creams to earning $20 a fight to superstar
Opening its first store yesterday in Oswego, Illinois, the firm marked the occasion by offering customers a buy-one-get-one-free promotion.
The firm said: “Our goal is to create a go-to destination for kids, families, and dessert lovers.
“We’re excited to bring TCBY back as a healthier dessert option for the community.
“We want to offer consistent quality, a welcoming environment, and fun experiences for everyone who visits.”
And now the firm has set its sights on a global market.
Earlier this year, TCBY signed a multi-store development agreement with Sterling Restaurants to bring the brand to malls across Qatar.
More than 10 new shops are expected to roll out over the next five years, with the possibility of introducing sister brand Mrs. Fields Cookies to the region as well.
Sterling Restaurants CEO Seamus MacTreinfhir said: “Leveraging our expertise and deep connection to the region, we’re ready to take TCBY to new heights.”
The brand’s comeback comes after several tumultuous years.
In 2000, the company was purchased by Capricorn Investors for $140 million, ending its family-run era.
Despite its strong name recognition, TCBY was already losing traction, and the sale was seen as an attempt to rekindle its growth.
But the much-hoped revival never materialised and in 2008, the firm’s parent company, Mrs Fields Famous Brands, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
CHILLING TWIST
Teen suspect was ‘drinking on cruise before step-sister cheerleader’s death’
SPEED TRAP?
New ‘automatic’ $340 speeding fine sparks major u-turn & drivers need take note
By 2022, QSR magazine reported that only 168 locations remained in the US.
The following year, Pearl Street Equity took ownership of TCBY when it acquired the company, and now the chain operates about 350 shops.
Dining and Cooking