I've been a big fan of Yogurtland ever since I found out about it on the Los Angeles Chowhound Board. Since around mid-December until now, I've been there about 5 times now. It doesn't seem like a whole lot but it also hasn't been the bestest weather for a cold dessert either as I only go at night time.
Yogurtland in Fullerton is the cheap version of Pinkberry of Los Angeles area. Although I've never been to Pinkberry personally, (only read reviews and passed by on the road) I don't plan on ever going. Why? Well let's seee...
Before I delve into the nitty gritty details about each place, Yogurtland, Pinkberry, and America's Cup are all frozen yogurt places. You choose your yogurt flavor(s) and topping(s) and then pay. Sort of like Golden Spoon right? Well, in a sense yes, but only for Pinkberry.
Pinkberry is a trendy fro-yo place with several locations in Los Angeles. The location that I passed by was right next to Pink's Hot Dogs. Coincidence? :P Anyway, at Pinkberry's, lines and lines of people wait for fro-yo. I've heard of people waiting up to an hour to pay around $8 for a cup of yogurt with meager toppings. Why oh why? On top of that Pinkberry only has two yogurt flavors to choose from and 18 toppings that the worker behind the counter scoops for you. Sure they have a nifty website, and yes they even have their own pop-y song that's currently stuck in my head (damn you!) but there's no way in hell that I'm paying $8 for a small cup of yogurt.
Now back to my beloved Yogurtland. Besides it's prime location in Fullerton, which is a city right next to me, it is also self-serve. That means when you walk in, you choose yourself what size cup you want, big or bigger. Next to the cups are a row of frozen yogurt machines which flavors total to 16!
Sugar Free Vanilla
Sugar Free Chocolate
Strawberry Banana
Egg Nog
Green Tea
Georgia Peach****
Peanut Butter
Chocolate Mint
New York Cheesecake
Very Strawberry
Espresso
Cookies and Cream
Blueberry Yogurt***
Plain Yogurt***
Vanilla
Chocolate Classic
I've starred the 3 yogurt flavors that I get religiously together in 1 cup. After your selection of any combination of yogurt flavors, there are the toppings to consider. There are dry toppings like Lucky Charms, granola, peanuts, almonds, sprinkles, etc on the shelf and then there is a cart filled with chopped fruit like strawberry, mango, kiwi, whole blueberries, boysenberries and more.
My toppings selection regularly consists of granola, peanuts, and strawberries, although on my recent trip I added Lucky Charms, which is damn good with my yogurt. I might even replace the granola with Lucky charms as it's an easier crunch to it and without bits getting stuck between the teeth.
After the toppings, it's off to pay and there is a weighing scale to put your yogurt on top. The pricing is $0.30 per ounce! My cup usually costs around $3.25 for a significant and satisfying cup of fro-yo + toppings. The taste? Icy tanginess and smoothness and oh-so-good.
I really didn't take the yogurt home to place it against a black backdrop for a photoshoot. There was nowhere to sit inside YL as it was packed with Cal State Fullerton students so we had to eat in the car.
Now, a friend of mine has never been to Yogurtland and suggested another fro-yo place for me to try. Another OC location, but in Costa Mesa called America's Cup.
I decided to give it a swirl (ha-ha) and swing by after dinner one night.
It was a very different vibe from Yogurtland. While YL was warm and comfortable with yellow lighting as well as temperature, America's Cup was glaring with flourescent lighting and a little chilly. They had the same self-serve theme, choose a cup, grab your yogurt flavors, toppings and pay according to weight.
I was disappointed that they did not have the plain yogurt that I adore. The plain yogurt is quite similar to the Vietnamese frozen icy yogurt dessert that has a nice tang to it. America's cup also did not have the blueberry yogurt as well.
Whereas YL had 16 yogurt flavors, America's Cup had around 13 but they had a tremendous amount of toppings to choose from. Any toppings that you can think of where all there and it lined one whole wall separated into 3 different stations all dedicated to toppings. The usual nuts and fruit were there and more, the crushed cookies, the crushed brownies, even crushed waffle cone pieces. There could've been easily 60-70 toppings there compared to YL's 20-ish.
That night, I chose the vanilla, strawberry, and boysenberry yogurt and topped it off with brownies, peanuts, and whole strawberries. I had to alternate yogurt and toppings though as their cups aren't as wide for me to dump everything on top.
Their pricing was also a penny more expensive at $0.31 per ounce. The taste? Out of the 3 flavors, boysenberry was the best but it didn't blow my mind away. America's Cup is significantly better than Golden Spoon but the taste did not beat Yogurtland.
I found this picture amusing. Look at them suits getting their healthy fix on!
So! After trying out America's Cup, I still deem Yogurtland the reigning champion of Orange County for a fro-yo fix. What's even better is that Yogurtland will be opening a 2nd location in Irvine, which is the city that I work in. Ahhh bliss. My co-workers will worship me. :)Yogurtland
501 N State College Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92831
(714) 525-2912
America's Cup
427 E 17th St # E
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 650-2447
26 comments:
If you knock something, please knock something you have tried. Otherwise grow up you narrow minded cheap mofo. Pinkberry isnt 8 bucks, its actually 2.95 - 3.25 for a small and its 8 bucks for a large (13 ounces) Obviously, someone did not do their research and unfortunately, someone needs to go back to school for their bad research skills. In addition, your website sucks!
Wow a first flaming comment! Thank you for the honor, Anonymous.
Yes I've never personally been to Pinkberry before and I won't deliberately go, as there is a perfectly fine fro-yo place in my neighborhood. You are welcome to cherish your pinkberry as you please.
Also, you are only criticizing the part on my mis-information on pricing. Although, that was PART of MY criticism on Pinkberry, I was also looking at the VARIETY of flavors and toppings that both Yogurtland and America's Cup has to offer in addition to SELF SERVE where I can heap on as much/or as little as I want in my own cup. Which in my OPINION is better than Pinkberry.
Well, more toppings and flavors does not necessarily mean better. Quality versus quantity and I don't see Yogurtland making big bucks like Pinkberry. Pinkberry is coming to Orange County with locations being constructed in Long Beach and Anaheim. Not to mention healthy fruit toppings and a unique flavor which isn't the typical soft serve ala Foster's Freeze, TCBY, or Dairy Queen. It is asian styled frozen yogurt ala Red Mango. Just like ice cream shops, there's always room for competition. We have Baskin Robbins, but we also have Ghirardeli or Hagen Daaz. Haha, the more you scoop, the more calories or fat you will have. Have a great day panda!
I would definitely love to see how Pinkberry fares in Anaheim and I will pay a visit when it pops up in my neck of the woods to get a more balanced view on it but until then I will continue to go to Yogurtland.
Sure quantity doesn't necessarily mean better, but if the quantity tastes good, why shouldn't it be successful?
If quantity means more choices to a person who wants to try something different each time he/she chooses, why wouldn't YL prosper in that aspect?
And yea, have a great day to you too anonymous panda.
I'm still waiting for Yogurtland to prosper in Seattle, nope don't see it. Do I see it in Beverly Hills? I don't think so. How about Disney Inc. wanting to purchase it? Yogurtland is the same tired deal that has been imitated throughout various Yogurt outlets across the nation. I've been to Yogurtland and it's the same Honey Hills farm yogurt used at I Love Yogurt, Yumi Yogurt, Penguins, etc. Why go back to the 80's when you can go to the 21st century. You obviously have money to travel to San Fran and Seattle, but no money to drive to Marina Del Rey or Temecula? How boring are you? FYI, there are other Pinkberry imitators who have cracked the formula somewhat like kiwberri.com, berrigood.com, beach berries in hungington beach, and roseberry in glendale. FYI, I ain't fat like you, I am a happy 137 lbs and lovin every single calorie I intake! The concept which Pinkberry has is coming in full force with TCBY joining in the craze, http://www.mrsfieldsfranchise.com/tcby.php,Red Mango opening in Westwood this spring near Pinkberry and might I add, Pinkberry is embraced by Ellen, Jake Gyllenhaal, Paris Hilton, Yelp.com, Disney venture capitalists, and much more. Have a violent diarrhea day!
I admit, I love a good bargain when it comes to food or anything for that matter. If it's cheap/tasty or a great deal, then great!
So what do you mean that you "ain't fat like me?" That's quite a personal statement. I'd like to hear how you would know that "fact." Not that I care how much you weigh and how happy you are with your calorie intake, which was totally random btw.
Ok, so Ellen D., Jake G, and Paris Hilton loves Pinkberry. WOW. I'm going to jump into my car and head over there right now!! Because if I go now, I might bump into them! Riiight.
If Pinkberry originated in Orange County, do you think it would have the same endorsement from those above celebrities? OC really isn't as hip and trendy like LA of course, so naturally everyone will flock to there.
Sure, YL may not be loved by celebrities, or have Disney's desire but it'll do just fine for everyone that lives close enough to the store and for all the CSUF students getting their dessert fix.
I know plenty of CSUF students who go to Pinkberry and there are many hips places in OC if you never knew. Hilary Duff and other celebs shop at South Coast Plaza and Reese Witherspoon was at Pinkberry over the weekend. Here's a picture of her eating there: http://www.tmz.com/2007/03/16/reese-with-her-spoon/
Pinkberry is still cheaper than Ghirardelli ice cream in SF or San Diego. Their sundaes run around 7-10 bucks a sundae! And I dont care if I see celebs or not, its not your typical, generic, milky yogurt you find everywhere. It's healthy, nonfat, and more refreshing. And FYI, theres one in Temecula, so you dont even have to drive north panda. Man, you are so lazy...I aint cheap like you cause i know when theres good food and cheap eats. And if you didnt know, Pinkberry was started by a struggling Korean woman in West Hollywood who gave up everything to open a furniture store, it failed, a restaurant, and it failed. Her yogurt shop prevailed and has become a hit. Now she is living the American dream. Is it because you are jealous of her? I probably can assume that.
I don't get the panda reference?
Anyway no matter how much we go back and forth on this, you are ultimately for Pinkberry and I am ultimately for Yogurtland. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and good day~
Pinkberry opening soon in Valencia town center, opening soon in Pasadena, opening 2 locations soon in Long Beach, opening another one in New York, opening one on Market street in San Francisco, opening one in Anaheim.
Yogurtland is better than Pinkberry. I've been to both, and Yogurtland has more flavors..is cheaper, and u get more. Pinkberry is so stingy with the toppings..I always needed to tell the ppl working there to add more.
Anyway whoever is flaming the post got a wee bit defensive..putting Pinkberry on a pedestal? Are you sure you're not working for them or are affliated with them? Pinkberry is a copy of Red Mango, a famous yougurt/snack place in Korea which specializes in tart yogurt with fruit toppings and other goodies (RM is WAY better than Pinkberry ever will be)The person who flamed the post probably knows the owner or is affiliated to Pinkberry..or ur just an ass.
Thats great the owner Shelly chose to live the American Dream..but it would've been nice if she had been a bit more original instead of copying most of its interior, design and marketing from Red Mango:
http://la.eater.com/archives/2007/03/13/the_yogurt_wars_part_ii_red_mango_vs_pinkberry_a_study_in_pictures.php
I guess thats what competition is in the business world eh? Pretty funny how Pinkberry said it took a year to develop their "secret yogurt recipe" when RM was popular in Korea two years prior. Pinkberry also copied its name from another place in Korea called Iceberry which specializes in shaved ice with fruit toppings.
Its also been said the owner registered the name Red Mango to prevent them from coming to the U.S. market even though they didnt open as "red mango". This was in an article in the korean newspaper. I think this is fixed now since supposedly RM is coming to the US sometime this year.
Pinkberry is good..and it probably became a hit and a trend also because of its location..LA. But. In terms of QUALITY, QUANTITY, VARIETY, and PRICE I still go for Yogurtland hands down. I hope Red Mango opens up soon..should be interesting to see how they will do even though Pinkberry has been stealing all their thunder.
I guess the link didn't paste correctly but I googled "yogurt wars" and found 3 parts to that article. Very interesting. Especially Part II where the pictures showed the uncanny resemblances between PB and RM. Thanks, Anon #2!
Anonymous #2 is just jealous cause he or she is overweight and wants more. Kiwiberri is a clone as well and costs more. By the way, la.eater.com is not a reliable source. Man, no wonder you people are flunking your classes, you have ludicrous sources. Red Mango may have started the trend but Pinkberry improved on the style and concept. Who says we cant have 40 yogurt shops? We have practically over hundreds of burger and ice cream joints. Hagen Daaz, Baskin Robbins, Dreyers stores etc. You people are just cheap yogurt eaters and I am still waiting for Yogurtland to open one in Houston, Seattle, Chicago, etc. Btw, Pinkberry is now open in Long Beach. I bet Anon #2 likes Pinkberry and is a secret addict. They arent stingy with their toppings either. The one in Long Beach does not have the odd hole in the middle and they sell way much better toys / kitchen items than Red Mango. Business is about competition and if you two are studying business, get out of that major please!
Btw, Pinkberry has pebbled floors, a more soothing taste than soft serve yogurt and how can you say they copied Iceberry's name? Im pretty sure Pinkberry is allowed to use berry in their name because they do have BERRIES! Silly fools, and plus I do not work for Pinkberry nor am I affiliated with them. However, I have full knowledge of what is going on in this world unlike you folks who are so cheap. How do you explain people paying 10 bucks for ice cream in San Diego at Ghirardelli? or how do you explain Sprinkles cupcakes which charges 3.25 a cupcake? Because they use HIGH QUALITY ingredients which does bump up the prices. Pinkberry uses real fruits unlike my TCBY yogurt the other day which was preserved and full of syrup for the strawberries and cherries. I smell jealousy upon the both of you, shame on you!
Ok "pinkberry's bitch" you are officially an idiot. And thats really mature of you to assume I am overweight and jealous. Just because I prefer another place? Uh. Yea. Whatever. Also its just "a" source, you even said it yourself that Pinkberry copied red mango which was initially one of my points. You really have no life and now I'm sure u work for them..either that or you wrote a paper on "why pinkberry is the bestest ever!" I never said I hated pinkberry. I actually liked it in the beginning until I found Yogurtland and I still like Red Mango the best because it doesnt compare. I never talked about American yogurt places..who cares? Shame on us? Shame on you..you need to respect other people's opinions in a mature fashion..just because a couple people favor another yogurt place than pinkberry..tsk tsk. If you didnt flame the post in such an idiotic manner I wouldn't have had to resorted flaming YOU. And for the love of god..get rid of your "i love pinkberry" yogurt stained shirt and get a LIFE!
Also..I already said in my post that business is competition so don't copy what I wrote and type the same stuff like you just came up with it. I try to see both sides of the story. And no..I'm not a business major..what does that have to do with me preferring yogurtland over pinkberry?
Another thing I might add. Most Korean people are very competitive and selfish when it comes to business..opening the same tofu restaurant in the same plaza, dry cleaning, karoke..whatever..I guess they need to do that to make a living in this country when there arent a lot of options. So its no surprise there's going to be more korean/italian style frozen yogurt copycats. But seriously..if you weren't affiliated with them why else would u defend them in such a defensive way?
Thats great Shelly is successful now but I hope she prepares herself when Red Mango comes. And please..a friend of mine knows her from USC so you need to stfu because although you are pinkberry's #1 fan..you just make pinkberry look even worse because you TOTALLY act like you work for them. You're not impressing anyone with your cute essays on why Pinkberry is the greatest and the history of frozen yogurt. You like Pinkberry? That is nice. I like Yogurtland. Deal with it. The end.
I <3 pinkberry! I think I eat it two times a week! So addicted~ I want to try Yogurtland and Red Mango now. Whoever was being mean to arisuu was not cool . She was being nice when she was replying to you too! Where is the love? :(
AMERICA'S CUP OWNS ALL!
Anonymous 2 is so weird. He or she has no life and has nothing better to do. I can tell they are a racist talking bad about Koreans. I shall report you once I find out who you are. Obviously, you are the immature one using cuss words and vulgar language because you cannot use pretentious, strong, meaningful words. I have better things to do like spend my thousands on good food rather than old soft serve. Have a great day pandas.
Red Mango is only opening less than 10 stores in 2007, by that time Pinkberry will have over 30 leases dear.
Thats nice that you have a "friend" who knows Shelley. Must be a classmate he or she stares at right who wishes they had millions like her? Haha...jealous people I swear. Im laughing in you low, low, sad people. At least some people know how to make money and be happy unlike you sad, atrocious, and pathetic souls.
Haha,I love pinkberry and kiwiberri too!
pine hill frozen yogurt bar owns all!
LOL
In response to this quote:
"Obviously, you are the immature one using cuss words and vulgar language because you cannot use pretentious, strong, meaningful words."
I'll respond with previous quote made by you:
"grow up you narrow minded cheap mofo"
"FYI, I ain't fat like you..."
"Anonymous #2 is just jealous cause he or she is overweight and wants more."
"Man, you are so lazy...I aint cheap like you"
MY POINT:
It's great and all to have healthy arguments and debate on this Frozen Yogurt Topic but to make false assumptions and to also make petty remarks doesn't make your points valid nor respected.
Ok, now your website is so poor. Its become nothing but a wasteland. It's attracted a jealous anonymous #2 and now you have become one of them. A sad day for fat pandas. I am still waiting for you to drive somewhere far instead of responding to comments. Stop being chair ridden and do something productive and make money please. Maybe, you can finally eat at Mr Chow's for 90 a person rather than PANDA express =)
I am korean..and no I am not racist, I used to live in ktown. And that friend is a good friend of Shelly's and her parents know her too. SO obvious you work for them. I bet you waste all your time at night googling stuff about pinkberry so u can argue with people how its #1 in your life.
I dont know why you keep bringing Panda Express up and flood this blogspot with all of your idiotic comments. Just shows that you are affiliated with them and leaving 4 comments in a row to my one reply just shows how much you have no life. If you know Shelly personally I should have her ban your stupid moronic ass from all present and future pinkberry locations. If you work for her I feel even more sorry for you..maybe since you're her little bitch you can direct her to this site so you can get that raise you wanted or get some money out of her since you are pretty good at kissing her ass. Fat pandas? Jesus Christ..I dont go to Mr Chows or Panda Express like your ass does..I hit the geniune chinese joints in arcadia and rowland. You sound like a korean fob already.
btw..I bet the reason the owner of this site hasnt deleted any of your comments is because she wants the whole world to know how much of a retard you look based on your comments. I thought you were smart enough to figure that out. Apparently not.
Let's bring this spirited discussion to an end, thank you.
Anon#1, the only fat pandas I know is a site called ChubbyPanda (which I read on a regular basis). Enjoy.
http://epicurious-wanderer.blogspot.com/
I see we have quite a blogger war going on here. Hello everyone! Arisu, your points are well conceived and your responses to anonymous shows everyone that you can eloquently respond without badgering or hearsay. Anonymous has a valid point on prices but without the other three legs of the chair she has nothing to stand on. I do refer anonymous as female since comments about weight were interjected into the conversation. I can't say that anon #1 works for Pinkberry's. I can say that with comments from Anon #2 my opinion is that she may have had a poor experience or her expectations were not met. That’s ok, I’m sure everyone has experienced a bad location of the same chain. Now back to the argument. Firstly and foremost is that this is an opinion on all parties that blog. Respecting one opinion is rule #1 in any blog site. State the facts the best you can and rebuttal if your facts are not correct. Arisu... Please continue to share your views and experiences so with the rest of us who may not be able to so readily take day trips to simply eat. Everyone’s opinions count and the fact is Anon#1 should at least respect the views of others and leave the immature self loathing comments on her own site. Anon #2 thanks for stepping up and providing sound arguments and not resorting to petty and preposterous remarks. I do simply have to say that Anon#1 without a doubt, your comments about fat and being stupid are uncalled for and you should be ashamed of yourself. Being that you are using the Alias anonymous, you’re only hiding your identity thus fueling a fire that was never going to go anywhere. Pinkberry's and Yogurt land have their own success's and to assume people are jealous of success is hypocrisy on your part otherwise you wouldn't be here bashing opinion. I just did a bit of research; Pinkberry’s is actually 2.50 + .95 a topping. And varies from each location. So if you’re going to quote facts give the exact fact and not a round about. Regular large with 3 toppings is $7.45 and green tea is $9.45 so there is no $8.00 according to pinkberry website. My opinion is that the website is too slow and the same tiny pop music gets old after a minute. Ok enough with this. It would behoove Anon#1 to simply apologize and move on.
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