"pinkberry" news and stories

If you have plans to vacation in Britain, Turkey, Morocco, and the Philippines this year, you might just find a tart, cold reminder of home. By the end of 2011, Pinkberry is planning to to be in 17 different international markets, according to Nation's Restaurant News.

The chain currently has 122 outposts in eight countries, and hopes to gain 30 more international locations (this in addition to more U.S. outposts). Part of the success of Pinkberry's growth is attributed to Starbucks, as many of its international franchisees also operate Starbucks locations. Moreover, Starbucks' president and CEO Howard Schultz sits on Pinkberry's board.

"Consumer brands have to look at the landscape through a global lens, as opposed to the domestic lens that Starbucks started from 40 years ago," Schultz told Business Week. Although Pinkberry has plenty of competition in the U.S. market--Cold Stone Creamery is adding froyo to its line this spring and Red Mango has plans to nearly double its domestic stores--there is less competition in the worldwide arena, explains Business Week. In fact, Pinkberry's highest-volume store is in Kuwait.

'Tis the season for holiday treats -- from Pumpkin Spiced Lattes to Halloween recipes to pumpkin seed recipes, everyone is jumping on the squash bandwagon. So who's next? Fro-yo giant Pinkberry introduced its newest seasonal flavor, Pumpkin, to its menu last Friday. Advertised with a side of graham crackers, whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, the latest creation sparks a warm memory of pumpkin pie without all the fat.

We ordered the yogurt the same way it was advertised, whipped cream and all. Hats off to the creators -- it was basically a deconstructed pumpkin pie, with the graham cracker strips (the crust), yogurt (filling) and whipped cream. Different textures lead to an all-around positive eating experience, a sweet crunch to accompany a tart and smooth pumpkin yogurt.

Pumpkin Pinkberry
Grade: A
Nutritional Information: Not available online
Our testers said: "It has a nice tartness and it really does taste like pumpkin pie spices." "It doesn't have a creamy mouth feel that you'd want from pumpkin pie." "My new pumpkin obsession for the fall, watch out Starbucks." "A great fall treat that doesn't leave you feeling as guilty as most Thanksgiving desserts would."

The mayor of Pizza Hut in Kearney, Nebraska, gets a free order of bread sticks with the purchase of a large pizza, while at the Robust Wine Bar in Webster Groves, Missouri, anyone can get a free bottle of beer in August just for checking in.

Have no idea what we're talking about? Then you're not on Foursquare, but chances are increasingly likely that some of your favorite restaurants are.

Not long ago (really, not long -- like, say, last year), you were on the cutting edge if you followed your best-loved eateries on Facebook or sent a gushing Tweet as you scarfed down a particularly delicious serving of pad Thai.

Not anymore.

Now there's a new GPS-based generation of social networking sites like Foursquare, which allows users to "check in" at their favorite local haunts using the Foursquare smart phone app. Then they can earn "badges" for things like logging in three times a week, and even get the chance to become "mayor" of, say, their neighborhood Pinkberry for checking in there more than anyone else within 60 days.

One of the many reasons we love Pinkberry is because of its many fabulous toppings, such as daily cut fresh fruit. Now, they've added white and milk chocolate shavings. Unlike many yogurt places that use stale chocolate chips, Pinkberry cuts shavings of fresh Belgian chocolate. The chocolate perfectly balances Pinkberry's three tangy flavors: Original, Pomegranate, and Green Tea.

The timing of the addition of this topping is perfect! Just in time for Valentine's Day, chocolate lovers can take their significant others to Pinkberry for some rich chocolate mixed in with smooth luscious yogurt. Pinkberry doesn't gratuitously add new flavors. When you try the chocolate, one of the first things you'll notice is its amazing quality.

A combo that I recommend is the original flavor topped with chocolate shavings, strawberries, and blueberries. Or, if you feeling like escaping to the Caribbean, try the original flavor with both white and milk chocolate shavings and coconut. If you've tried these new chocolate shavings, what were some of your favorite combos?

It may be just 18 degrees Fahrenheit, but that doesn't stop New Yorkers from eating delish lush Pinkberry frozen yogurt. From now until January 10, 2009 (the company's 4th anniversary), Pinkberry will be offering two free toppings when the temperature outside goes down to 18 degrees Fahrenheit indicating their 18 toppings.

This means that today you can go to Pinkberry and get a yogurt with two toppings you've always wanted to try! If only I were in NY today and not in snow covered New Hampshire. So far in NYC, the temperature has gone below 18 degrees a couple of days in a row. Too bad they don't have a store here in Exeter, NH where it's bright and sunny but with a temperature high of just 13 degrees.

What's unique about Pinkberry's toppings? First of all, the fruit is freshly sliced everyday. Most frozen yogurt places use frozen pre-sliced fruits that could be sitting out at the counter for days, maybe weeks. And, besides the fruit, you have the option of some of your favorite childhood cereals, such as captain crunch and fruity pebbles. Really, what more can you ask for?