Swirlberry frozen yogurt available to MSU

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Students looking for gluten-free and fat-free frozen yogurt with fewer than 29 calories per ounce can head to Swirlberry, East Lansing’s newest business, located at 228 Abbot Road.

The store opened Saturday and has five machines offering seven different self-serve frozen yogurt flavors.

Upon entering the store, customers can pick a cup of yogurt and can “swirl” a variety of items in it, ranging from strawberries and blueberries to almonds and fruity pebbles.

“Customers pick any flavor of yogurt,” said Shanice Ash, Swirlberry manager. “They can add any toppings, then we weigh it.”

Despite a crowd following Saturday’s football game, business the past two days hasn’t been consistent, said Kayla Keller, Swirlberry employee and zoology junior.

“There was a surge of people toward the end of the night after the game,” Keller said. “But we haven’t been that busy. A lot of people don’t know about us, and we just opened.”

Some students said they think a frozen yogurt store is an odd addition to the current shops on Grand River Avenue.

“It sounds pretty random,” biological science sophomore Emily Groll said. “I feel like there is already Melting Moments and (Cold Stone Creamery). I hope they can do well, but I think other than that, it’s pretty random to open a store that sells cold stuff when it’s cold out.”

Other students said it’s a unique addition to East Lansing.

“Opening in the fall when it’s cold … people aren’t really going to want it,” general management sophomore Erin Geller said. “But it’s good, it’s different than other ice cream that’s offered, so that’s fun.”

MSU professor of management Robert Wiseman said despite the weather, the restaurant should do well.

“Their primary business is going to be from students,” Wiseman said. “Now is when you have a large population of students on campus. If (they) opened it up in the summer, there is a lot less traffic, and there would be less business.”

The store still is a work in progress, Keller said.

“They’re going to add couches, more tables and televisions,” she said. “And there is going to be more general food items offered, like sandwiches.”

Before Swirlberry can expand its menu, it has to go through a break-in period, Wiseman said.

“Right now they are starting with the simplest menu,” he said. “Most restaurants go through a break-in period, where they train staff and get the restaurant situated before they start to expand their menu.”

Store hours are noon to midnight Sunday through Saturday.

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