Whoever said ice cream shouldn’t be eaten in the winter is all kinds of wrong. There’s nothing quite like eating an icy treat on an icy night — indoors, that is.
But if you aren’t a huge fan of ice cream, or just like to make your dessert exactly the way you like it, we’ve got something equally as yummy that will tickle your fancy: fro-yo.
The frozen yogurt craze hit Grand Rapids quite some time ago thanks to its near endless customization, and it isn’t leaving any time soon. This February, treat yourself with some of West Michigan’s most beloved fro-yo shops to see what the craze is all about. If you need some guidance, we’ve got you covered.
The Pump House
2090 Celebration Dr. NE #120, Grand Rapids
20 N. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven
30 N. Main St., Rockford
123 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
morepumpy.com
This sweet wonderland is focused on community, comfort and atmosphere. “The Pump House is your sweet spot for date night, a celebration or your everyday frozen treat,” said owners Jim and Karen Avery. “Make your own sundae with your choice of 100 toppings, including house-made cookie dough, and snuggle on the indoor porch swings, no matter the weather.” With a plethora of flavors and oh so many toppings, this shop has something for every sweet tooth. The chain currently has three locations in West Michigan, with a new Grand Rapids shop coming soon.
Spoonlickers
1971 E. Beltline NE, Grand Rapids
1551 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids
spoonlickersgr.com
This beloved frozen yogurt chain is all about serving quality food with natural ingredients. The company uses fresh fruit and real milk to make the tastiest treats around. Artificial flavoring and coloring? You won’t find those here. Head to one of two Grand Rapids locations — with an Ada location opening in April — to try out their many frozen yogurt flavors or other treats, including gelato, custard, sorbetto, cake, and more.
Bloop Frozen Yogurt
6333 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
bloopfrozenyogurt.com
When you pull down that frozen yogurt lever and let the sweet treat form into a tasty mountain, that right there is called a bloop. And you know what makes a bloop better? A whole bunch of toppings, called bloopers, that make every mountain of yogurt a custom indulgence. “What sets us apart is some of our new renovations,” said manager Theresa Olszewski. “We have seven machines and now have Açaí Bowls, so it’s not just yogurt anymore. We offer more than 50 toppings in a clean and simple environment.” Enjoy a custom fro-yo or your choice of Açaí Bowl for the best way to top off your day.
Sweet Yo’s
134 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids
820 Forest Hill Ave., Grand Rapids
3072 44th St. SW, Grandville
sweetyosgr.com
Sometimes, you just really
need to treat YOself, and that’s what Sweet Yo’s is all about. This family-owned and -operated chain provides a rotation of eight to 12 flavors each day, along with more than 65 mouthwatering toppings. From fresh fruit to peanut butter sauce, Sweet Yo’s gives you a chance to be creative with your sweet treat. They have three locations in West Michigan, each with its own special touch.
Peachwave
6 W. 8th St., Holland
peachwaveyogurt.com
West Michiganders, it’s time to get peachy. Or chocolatey. Or fruity. At Peachwave, the choice is all up to you. “You will be delighted with a variety of made-fresh-daily, super-creamy frozen yogurt, gelato, smoothies, nondairy Dole Whips (like those found at Disney), locally roasted Simpatico coffee, seasonally homemade hot cocoa and more than 70 toppings, including homemade whipped cream,” said owner Boyd Feltman. “You can enjoy your masterpiece in a cozy park, upbeat café or cozy fireplace settings.”
OTHER LOCAL FRO-YO FAVORITES
Yodels Frozen Yogurt
1971 Holton Rd., Muskegon
yodelsfrozenyogurt.com
Notties Frozen Yogurt
109 Bulter St., Saugatuck
facebook.com/nottiesfrozenyogurt
Y’OPA Frozen Yogurt
165 W. Centre Ave., Portage
facebook.com/yopafrozenyogurt
