Yogurtland Owners Stick With Stores as Sales Climb; Chain Parks Expansion in Southern California

Yogurtland’s franchise owners are hanging on to their shops and even expanding operations, company executives and industry observers say, as average store revenue edges toward $1 million after two consecutive years of gains. Bon-Die Fortner, the brand’s vice president of franchise development, says it's common for long-running operators to hold onto their commitments rather than cashing out.

Analysts and company leaders point to shifting social habits as a key force behind the loyalty. More consumers are choosing casual, alcohol-free spots to meet friends and family, creating steady, repeat foot traffic for outlets that market themselves as community meeting points outside of home and work.

The chain’s setup also helps protect margins. A self-serve model limits staffing needs, and frozen-yogurt concepts aren’t as hard-hit by meat-price swings and tariff-driven cost spikes that squeeze burger chains and other protein-heavy restaurants. That combination makes the economics more predictable for operators, industry analysts say.

Yogurtland now operates a little over 200 locations across eight states. The company has slowed new openings in Southern California but is scouting opportunities in Texas, Atlanta and Nashville. One franchise consultant noted that when unit-level returns are reliable, owners are far more likely to renew agreements and reinvest rather than sell.