Pinkberry Corporate Takes Over Gainesville Franchise

Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt in the Promenade at Virginia Gateway will eventually reopen under company control.

Pinkberry Frozen Yogurt, located in the Promenade at Virginia Gateway, has temporarily closed as their corporate staff prepares to take over from the store's franchise owner.

According to a Pinkberry spokesperson, Northern Virginia/D.C. franchises were closed by their owner.

However, the spokesperson maintains the closures were not the result of a lagging market and that those stores will reopen at the company's discretion.

"The Virginia/Washington DC area is a strong market for Pinkberry. Unfortunately, the local Pinkberry franchisee needed to unexpectedly close the operation of his stores. It is Pinkberry's desire to reopen the stores, and the company is currently exploring its options,” he said.

He did not reveal the reason why the franchisee closed the stores.

While Pinkberry is optimistic about the local market, other brands have struggled to turn a profit locally, due to market conditions and a proliferation of froyo shops.

In September 2014, Sweet Creations Frozen Yogurt in Bristow, which had a loyal customer base, closed.

Additionally, winter is a particularly difficult season for frozen yogurt vendors, which is why Clayton Thomas, the new owner of the Gainesville Zinga, uses community outreach and promotions to grow his business.

“We do a lot of promotions; we try to do a lot of social media,” he said. “During the month of December, we gave away free bottoms the entire month.”

Additionally, he polls customers on their favorite toppings and flavors.

Thomas also expects that with Pinkberry temporarily closed; he will see some Promenade traffic come to his store.

“Since we’re just right across the street I think it becomes a convenient place to stop,” said Thomas. “And, after all, we do have the world’s best yogurt.”