Tampa residents and visitors now have a new option for their favorite frozen treat.
Yogurtland touts its high quality yogurt with real ingredients in a clean environment. Ingredients are often sourced from their original location, such as Madagascar vanilla beans from Madagascar and Belgian chocolate from Belgium, in non-traditional flavor combinations such as black current cherry tart or sticky toffee pudding.
The first franchise in Tampa opened in Citrus Park this spring. The franchise owner, Jack Suleiman, is a second generation restaurant owner with a family history of franchises. Having opened a Taco Bell in 2008 and a Johnny Rockets in 2010 in Citrus Park, Suleiman had a familiarity with the area and knew the market well. The specific location next to Chipotle was selected to give people a dessert option since the restaurant doesn’t currently offer any. Suleiman also likes the Carrollwood and Citrus Park communities.
"People get involved. The community actually works together, unlike in some bigger cities," says Suleiman.
Growing up in the restaurant business taught Suleiman the value of hard work and ethics at an early age. He and his brother washed potatoes at his father’s restaurant at the ages of 15 and 16, often working after school and on holidays. Eventually, he ended up as a manager and then opened up his own restaurants.
Suleiman’s dream was always to open a yogurt shop. He chose the Yogurtland franchise because of its concept of real ingredients, strong growth rate and overall atmosphere.
“I was very impressed with the company,” says Suleiman. “They do everything they can to make sure that we’re serving the best quality.”
Suleiman financed the franchise through family funds.
If all goes well with the first location, he plans to open more in the Tampa Bay region within six months. The company will be hiring additional team members over the summer.
Writer:
Megan Hendricks
Source: Jack Suleiman, Yogurtland
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