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Sweet Frog
Sweet Frog
Sweet Frog
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Sweet Frog (stylized as sweetFrog - Premium Frozen Yogurt) is a chain of frozen yogurt retail restaurants. Customers can create their own soft-serve frozen yogurt with numerous flavors and toppings from which to choose. Derek Cha, who immigrated to the United States from South Korea at the age of 12, is the founder of sweetFrog. He opened the first sweetFrog shop in Richmond, Virginia in 2009,[2][3] at a time when the United States economy was in a recession. Cha founded sweetFrog on Christian principles.[4][5] The "FROG" part of the name, according to Cha, is an acronym for "Fully Rely on God".[6][7]

Key Information

Sweet Frog in Prince Frederick, Maryland

The sweetFrog restaurant's interiors are painted pink and green, and the typical store consists of seven or eight frozen yogurt machines, toppings bars, and merchandise, much of which is centered on sweetFrog's mascots "Scoop" and "Cookie."[8] Based in Scottsdale, Arizona at the time of its acquisition by MTY Food Group, the chain operated 332 locations in the United States and Dominican Republic, most of which are franchised. Sweet Frog serves rotating dairy-free options.[9]

History

[edit]

Derek Cha started sweetFrog with only one restaurant in 2009, and in four years sweetFrog had grown to over 215 stores in 25 states in the U.S. with more stores located internationally in the Dominican Republic, the United Kingdom, and Egypt.[10] In its first 3 years of franchising, over 60 Sweet Frog stores were opened.[11][12] By the spring of 2012, it was reported that Sweet Frog had 100 stores and expected to have 200 by the end of the calendar year[13] Cha's goal was to have 200 sweetFrog stores by the end of 2012.[14] In April 24, 2013, article reported that Sweet Frog had 240 stores at the time of that writing, which would include corporate-owned, licensed, and franchised locations. It added that sweetFrog had grown from 130 stores only seven months earlier in October 2012.[15] By 2020, Cha stated that he would like to have 1,000 U. S. locations and 1,000 international locations[16]

S&C in Chicago.
Scoop & Cookie promoting Sweet Frog's first Chicago area restaurant in Frankfort, IL.

On April 17, 2012, Boxwood Capital Partners, LLC announced that it had made a growth capital investment in sweetFrog Enterprises, LLC.[17] Boxwood's minority investment is being used to help fund sweetFrog's expansion plans across the country and internationally.[18] Subsequent to the investment, James Patrick Galleher, the Managing Director at Boxwood Capital Partners became the Chief Executive Officer of sweetFrog Enterprises, LLC.[19][20]

In 2014, sweetFrog was listed #22 on the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing private companies in 2014 with revenues of $34.4 million.[21]

On February 2, 2015, it was announced that Boxwood Capital Partners, LLC had acquired sweetFrog Enterprises, LLC.[22][23][24] In the Fall of 2018, sweetFrog was acquired by a wholly owned subsidiary of Canada-based MTY Food Group Inc. of Montreal, Quebec.[25]

Sponsorships

[edit]

On April 18, 2016, it was announced by BK Racing that sweetFrog would be sponsoring David Ragan and the No. 23 Toyota Camry for the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond International Raceway.[26] sweetFrog returned to sponsor Ragan's No. 23 for the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond in August.[27] sweetFrog later appeared in the video game NASCAR Heat Evolution.[28]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sweet Frog

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
sweetFrog (stylized as sweetFrog - Premium Frozen Yogurt) is an American chain of self-serve shops specializing in customizable soft-serve treats. Founded in 2009 by entrepreneurs Derek Cha and his wife Annah Cha in , the company began as a family venture inspired by the simplicity and low-cost appeal of frozen yogurt concepts from the West Coast. Customers at sweetFrog locations select from a rotating selection of premium frozen yogurt flavors—ranging from classic options like and to seasonal varieties—and top their creations with a variety of choices, including fruits, candies, and nuts, before the mixture is weighed and priced by the ounce. The brand experienced rapid expansion, reaching 60 stores by 2011, over 180 by 2012 across the United States and internationally, and more than 300 locations open or in development by 2013, including non-traditional venues like amusement parks. Franchising began in 2012, contributing to its growth into a family-friendly chain with a whimsical theme centered on frog mascots Scoop and Cookie, emphasizing community involvement through fundraisers and local partnerships. In fall 2018, sweetFrog was acquired by a wholly-owned subsidiary of MTY Food Group Inc., a Canadian restaurant franchisor, and is now headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, under the management of Kahala Brands. As of January 2025, the chain operates more than 250 locations primarily in the United States, including the Dominican Republic, offering not only frozen yogurt but also catering services, merchandise, and seasonal promotions like holiday collaborations.

History

Founding and Early Development

Derek Cha, an American entrepreneur born in , immigrated to the with his family at the age of 12 in 1977, seeking better economic opportunities amid the country's rapid industrialization at the time. After settling in the U.S., Cha built a successful career in business, eventually owning and expanding a chain of window framing stores that reached 80 locations across multiple states. However, the economic downturn severely impacted the framing industry, leading to near-bankruptcy for Cha's company and prompting him to sell the business in search of a new venture. In 2009, Cha and his wife, Annah Cha, relocated their family to , where they identified an opportunity in the emerging market despite the ongoing . Inspired by a family movie outing in the Short Pump area, Cha took classes from a frozen yogurt supplier to learn the trade and spent eight months refining the business concept before opening the first Sweet Frog store later that year in the Short Pump subdivision of Richmond. The store introduced a self-serve, weigh-and-pay model that allowed customers to customize their treats, setting it apart in a market still recovering from earlier trends. From the outset, Sweet Frog emphasized a environment with premium, richer-tasting ingredients sourced for quality, reflecting the Cha family's hands-on involvement in daily operations. The brand's name derived from "sweet" for the and "FROG" as an acronym for "Fully Rely on ," underscoring its foundation in Christian principles that guided the couple's entrepreneurial decisions. Early challenges included navigating a nascent sector with limited competition but high skepticism from advisors who discouraged entry during economic uncertainty, as well as the couple's direct management of the single location to build customer loyalty.

Rapid Expansion

Following its initial store opening in , in 2009, Sweet Frog rapidly scaled through early growth to 60 locations by the end of 2011, primarily company-owned, before introducing a model in 2012 and reaching over 180 stores by April of that year. By 2013, the chain had expanded to more than 260 units across 25 states, with over 300 locations either open or in development, driven primarily by franchise agreements that emphasized self-serve frozen yogurt concepts. This growth continued unabated, culminating in over 350 stores by 2016, with the majority in the United States to establish a nationwide presence in 24 states. The company's expansion earned it recognition as one of the fastest-growing frozen yogurt chains in the industry, including a ranking of #22 on Franchise Times' Fast Casual Top 100 in 2015. This accolade highlighted Sweet Frog's aggressive franchising strategy, which had propelled unit growth by more than 120 locations in the prior year alone. In February 2015, Boxwood Capital Partners acquired majority ownership of Sweet Frog, building on its earlier minority investment from 2012, to accelerate further development and product diversification. This infusion of capital supported ongoing U.S. expansion while enabling initial forays into international markets, such as the , where the first stores opened in 2014 and grew to six locations by late 2016.

Acquisition and Modern Era

In the fall of 2018, sweetFrog was acquired by , a wholly-owned of the Canadian restaurant franchisor ., for $35 million in cash, encompassing most assets of the sweetFrog franchise system. The deal, announced on and closed on , marked MTY's strategic expansion into the frozen treat sector and integrated sweetFrog into its portfolio of over 70 brands. Following the acquisition, sweetFrog's headquarters relocated from , to , aligning with ' operational base, while management transitioned under Kahala's oversight within the MTY structure. This shift supported continued efforts, with Jeff Smit appointed to lead U.S. operations to drive further growth. As of October 2025, the brand operates approximately 205 locations across the and select international sites in the , reflecting a decline from earlier peaks due to some individual store closures amid intensified competition from other chains and rising operational costs like rent. Under MTY's umbrella, sweetFrog has adapted to market dynamics in the industry, emphasizing franchise support and innovation while benefiting from the parent company's broader initiatives, including efforts to reduce environmental impact through efficiencies and waste reduction across its brands. The majority of locations are franchised, with ongoing efforts to maintain resilience in a competitive landscape.

Business Model

Franchising System

Sweet Frog initiated its franchising model in 2012, shortly after the opening of its first store in 2009, allowing the brand to expand rapidly through independent operators. By 2012, the company had grown to over 180 locations, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach in scaling the self-serve frozen yogurt concept across the and internationally. The initial investment for a traditional Sweet Frog franchise typically ranges from $256,500 to $658,500, encompassing the of $30,000, build-out costs, equipment, and initial inventory. Prospective franchisees must demonstrate a minimum of $500,000 and $200,000 in liquid assets, with a preference for operators who align with the brand's community-focused, ethos. Following its acquisition by in 2018, Sweet Frog provides comprehensive ongoing support to franchisees, including assistance with site selection and construction design, initial and continuous training programs, strategies encompassing digital campaigns and local events, and a centralized backed by for new product introductions. This support extends from the franchise agreement signing through store opening and continues for at least 10 years thereafter, with regular operational visits and 24/7 access to resources. Through this system, Sweet Frog has achieved substantial growth, with the majority of its hundreds of locations operating as franchises by the mid-2010s. As of 2025, the chain operates over 200 locations, the majority as franchises.

Store Operations and Services

Sweet Frog operates on a self-serve model where customers dispense their own from soft-serve machines and customize it with toppings at an open toppings bar, promoting an interactive and personalized . is calculated by weight (per ), allowing flexibility in portion sizes and combinations. This format emphasizes customer autonomy, with staff available to assist but not handling the serving process directly. Stores are designed to foster a atmosphere, featuring vibrant, colorful interiors with the brand's frog mascot and ample seating for dine-in enjoyment. The average store size ranges from 1,200 to 1,800 square feet, often located in high-traffic areas such as strip shopping centers, centers, or malls to maximize foot traffic. Open layouts highlight the self-serve machines and toppings stations, creating an inviting and efficient flow for customers. Operational standards prioritize cleanliness, with toppings restocked fresh daily and machines maintained to ensure hygiene throughout the day. In addition to in-store service, Sweet Frog offers for events including parties, weddings, corporate meetings, and school gatherings, often through pre-packaged options or on-site setups. Gift cards are available for purchase or in-store, redeemable for yogurt and merchandise with no at participating locations. ordering is facilitated via the company's or third-party delivery services like , enabling convenient pick-up or delivery. Stores rotate flavors daily, typically offering 12 to 16 varieties to keep selections fresh and varied. Allergen management is addressed through posted lists and FDA-recommended disclosures at each location, helping customers identify potential sensitivities in bases and toppings.

Products and Menu

Frozen Yogurt Varieties

Sweet Frog offers premium frozen yogurt made with real dairy and live active cultures, providing probiotic benefits in each serving. The chain's frozen yogurt is crafted from high-quality ingredients, including cultured nonfat milk, sugar, and natural flavors, ensuring a creamy texture and tangy profile typical of traditional yogurt. These products are sourced through the supply chain of MTY Food Group, Sweet Frog's parent company since its acquisition in 2018, emphasizing consistency and freshness across locations. Stores feature a rotating selection of 20 to 24 flavors at any given time, allowing for variety and seasonal adaptations while maintaining core offerings. Flavors are categorized by fat content and dietary needs, including low-fat options like Original Tart and New York Cheesecake, nonfat varieties such as Country and Very , and no-sugar-added (NSA) choices including NSA , NSA , and NSA . Classic flavors encompass vanilla and chocolate bases, often available in low-fat or lite ice cream forms, while seasonal innovations like Hot Chocolate Express, fall-inspired pumpkin, or the flavor introduced in March 2025 appear periodically to align with holidays and events. For dietary inclusivity, Sweet Frog provides non-dairy and dairy-free options, such as Mango and , made without milk ingredients. These sorbets maintain the brand's commitment to fruit-forward profiles using natural flavors. Additionally, DOLE SOFT SERVE® options like and offer plant-based alternatives with tropical notes. selections, including , provide a denser, richer texture distinct from the lighter bases. Nutritionally, the frozen yogurts are designed to be lighter alternatives to traditional , with most varieties falling into low-fat or nonfat categories. A typical 4-ounce serving contains 100 to 150 calories, derived from 120 to 140 calories per 4 ounces based on 30 to 35 calories per 1-ounce portion, alongside low (0 grams) and moderate carbohydrates (20 to 28 grams). Protein content ranges from 3 to 4 grams per 4 ounces, supporting the aspect from live cultures. Full allergen disclosures are provided, noting common triggers like in dairy-based yogurts and potential tree nuts or soy in select flavors, with clear labeling at stores and online.
CategoryExample FlavorsCalories per 1 oz ServingFat (g) per 1 ozKey Notes
Low FatOriginal Tart, New York Cheesecake30-350Tangy, classic bases with natural flavors
NonfatCountry , Very 35-400Probiotic-rich, fruit-infused options
No Sugar Added (NSA)NSA , NSA 300Sweetened with alcohols for low-carb appeal
Dairy Free/Sorbet , Varies (typically 25-35)0Fruit-based, vegan-friendly
DOLE SOFT SERVE®, 300Plant-derived, refreshing profiles

Toppings and Customization Options

Sweet Frog provides an extensive toppings bar featuring over 100 options, allowing customers to personalize their frozen yogurt creations with a wide array of fresh and indulgent add-ons. These include fresh fruits such as bananas, blueberries, kiwi, mango, and blackberries; nuts like almonds, pecans, and peanuts; candies including bites, bites, and chocolate-covered items; cereals such as and ; and sauces like , , and hot fudge. The selection is refreshed daily to ensure quality and variety, though availability may differ by location. The customization process at Sweet Frog emphasizes creativity and freedom, with customers selecting their preferred yogurt base and then adding unlimited toppings without additional weight-based charges, as the final product is priced solely by total weight. This self-serve model encourages diverse combinations, from healthy fruit-and-nut mixes to decadent layers of candies and sauces, fostering an interactive experience tailored to individual tastes. To accommodate various dietary needs, Sweet Frog offers vegan-friendly and gluten-free toppings, including fresh fruits like mango and blackberries, as well as nuts such as almonds and pecans, enabling inclusive options for dairy-free or restricted diets. Beyond traditional toppings, Sweet Frog extends its menu with gelato varieties, such as Caramel Sea Salt, Chocolate, Hazelnut, and Horchata, providing a richer, Italian-style alternative for customization. Occasional holiday specials, like the Hot Chocolate Express flavor introduced in partnership with The Polar Express, further enhance seasonal personalization opportunities.

Marketing and Community Involvement

Sponsorship Activities

Sweet Frog entered the realm of sports sponsorship in 2016 through a partnership with in the . The company served as the primary sponsor for driver David Ragan's No. 23 during the race at Richmond International Raceway on April 24, 2016. This marked Sweet Frog's debut in professional motorsports, aligning with the brand's , headquarters and its focus on family-oriented experiences. The sponsorship extended to additional races that year, including a return appearance at in October 2016, where the Sweet Frog logo prominently featured on Ragan's car. In 2017, Sweet Frog continued its involvement with , sponsoring the No. 23 entry driven by Gray Gaulding at the Richmond race, further integrating the brand into events. Branding efforts during these sponsorships included prominent logo placement on the race cars, team uniforms, and related merchandise, designed to leverage NASCAR's broad appeal to families and enhance visibility among motorsports enthusiasts. As a frozen yogurt chain, Sweet Frog used these activations to connect with audiences seeking fun, accessible entertainment, mirroring the interactive and whimsical nature of its stores. Following the 2017 season and amid Sweet Frog's acquisition by in , sports endorsement activities became limited, with no major or similar high-profile deals announced thereafter. These sponsorships provided significant national exposure during the company's expansion phase, generating media coverage in specialized publications and contributing to brand recognition as a growing franchise.

Fundraising and Local Engagement

Sweet Frog supports community fundraising through its benefit nights program, where participating organizations such as schools, churches, clubs, and scout troops receive a portion of sales generated during designated events at local stores. These initiatives allow groups to host events on-site, fostering direct engagement while directing proceeds toward their goals. Additionally, the company facilitates gift card sales for fundraisers, offering discounts like 15% off purchases of $500 or more, and hosts donation drives such as toy collections for . Local stores host community events to build engagement, including promotional celebrations tied to national observances and partnerships with teams and charities. For instance, franchise locations collaborate with groups like animal shelters and organizations to organize on-site gatherings that encourage participation and support local needs. These efforts extend to donation drives, such as "Adopt a " programs where stores collect supplies for educational institutions across participating markets. Franchisees are encouraged to lead community involvement, integrating philanthropy into store operations through sales-based donations during events that target causes like education and hunger relief. Examples include past campaigns with Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry initiative, where participating stores collected non-perishables and made contributions to provide up to 300,000 meals for children in need. This model empowers local operators to act as "good neighbors," supporting initiatives from music programs to broader charitable giving. As of 2025, these fundraising programs remain active, with local stores continuing to host benefit nights and donation drives. To enhance local foot traffic, Sweet Frog has utilized digital and tie-ins, such as the "Share a Smile" , which encouraged customer participation through contests but has been paused in recent years. These programs complement broader brand promotion, including brief ties to sports sponsorships for community visibility.

References

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  3. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/share-the-swirl-of-friendship-with-sweetfrog-and-care-bears-302346081.html
  4. https://www.inc.com/magazine/201502/adam-bluestein/the-most-entrepreneurial-group-in-america-wasnt-born-in-america.html
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  10. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/top-fastest-growing-franchises-2015-170000706.html
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  54. https://patch.com/virginia/kingstowne/sweet-frog-supporting-share-our-strengths-no-kid-hungry-campaign
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  56. https://www.facebook.com/groups/lbtboosters/posts/24574905442174165/
  57. https://www.sweetfrog.com/contestterms/index.php
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