News

TCBY franchise winners open first store

April 10, 2011

Jared and Sarah Greer, winners of last year's "The Great TCBY Store Giveaway Contest," have officially opened their first store in Rogers, Ark.

Coincidentally, as TCBY celebrates its 30th anniversary in business, the Greer's new unit is located in the state where the brand got its start. In 1981, TCBY founders Frank and Georgia Hickingbotham opened their first store in Little Rock, Ark.

"We have been patient and exhaustive in identifying the perfect location for our first TCBY," Jared Greer said. "Growing this pioneering brand in the state where Frank and Georgia Hickingbotham founded TCBY adds a sentimental footnote that we take seriously."

The Greers were selected as contest winners for their extensive business experience, strong community roots and passion for the brand, which was evident from their entry video through the final interview process. Jared, originally from Little Rock, began his TCBY career in high school, where he worked behind the counter.

Their store embraces TCBY's new self-serve prototype and store design, first introduced last year.

With a distinct color palette and welcoming social lounge, the new store design boasts a clean, progressive personality with smart functionality for both consumers and employees. Mindful of the concept's vision, TCBY has created a self-serve customer experience that is both accessible and attractive. (View the new store design here).

Upon entering the store, customers are greeted by 10 to 16 soft-serve flavors boasting 98 percent fat free and sugar free frozen yogurt and sorbet options. After choosing their favorite flavors, guests approach an extensive toppings bar with fresh fruit, granola and a variety of dry and hot toppings to finalize their creation. Pricing is done by weight at $.39 per ounce.

"We knew when we chose the Greers, they would be thoughtful and earnest in their ownership of a TCBY," said Tim Casey, CEO of TCBY. "Returning to Northwest Arkansas on our 30th anniversary is a significant milestone for the brand. We are pleased that they have chosen our self-serve model and that the timing worked out to showcase our new store design. The folks of Northwest Arkansas are in for a real treat."