It’s New to Us by Jean Stratton

FABULOUS FRO-YO: Both staff and customers are very happy with the delicious concoctions at the new Twist Yogurt emporium on Nassau Street. Shown in the foreground from left are staff members: Annie Donnelly, Anna Kilshtok, and Mira Bhatia; in the background are frequent customers: Karly Kornblatt, Brittany Anderson, and Caleb Kahn-Feinring.

Fun New Twist Yogurt on Nassau Street Offers a Variety of Self-Serve Creations

They’re lining up at Twist Yogurt! The popular new frozen yogurt emporium at 84 Nassau Street is a magnet for customers of all ages.

“It’s really popular with everyone,” says owner Cindy Somasunderam. “Kids love it. We’ve had lots of high school and Princeton University students, and also families with little kids. I especially enjoy seeing grandparents bring in their grandchildren. It’s so nice for them to be together. We have a lot of families, and they know we have healthier choices here. All of our frozen yogurt meets the National Yogurt Association’s criteria for live and active cultures. Our frozen yogurt is a healthier choice than ice cream.”

Opened in January, Twist Yogurt, the “Twist Self-Serve Yogurteria” offers a variety of flavors and toppings, and it is set apart by its focus on self service.

“Twist Yogurt, Top it, Weigh it, Pay it!” says Cindy. “Everyone gets their own cup, adds as much yogurt as they want — they can have more than one flavor — and whatever toppings they like. Then it is weighed on a scale on the counter.

“Fro-Yo”

At 45¢ an ounce, serving sizes vary, and Cindy notes that many customers like a serving in the $4 range.

“We thought Princeton would be the right place for a yogurt shop like ours,” she adds. “My husband Uday, who is co-owner, and I went on a vacation to California last year, and stopped in at a yogurt place. It was terrific, and we decided then and there we wanted to open one.”

If “fro-yo” is your thing, you can’t do better than a visit to Twist Yogurt. It offers eight flavors (non-fat or low fat) on any given day, and more than 40 toppings. Vanilla, Ghiradelli chocolate, New York cheesecake, pistachio, green tea, and the number one favorite Eurotart (less than 18 calories per ounce) were recently on the menu, which also featured a non-fat orange sorbet, and a sugar-free vanilla.

Flavors are sweet and tart — the latter most notably evident in green tea and Eurotart.

Toppings include seasonal fresh fruits (strawberries and mango now), dried fruit, peanuts, almonds, cashews, toasted coconut, brownies, M & Ms, Cap’n Crunch, and flaxseed and wheat germ, among many others. Special sauces are chocolate, caramel, marshmallow, and peanut butter.

Fun Place

This is a fun, vibrant place, with customers on hand throughout the day and evening. There is room for approximately 50 people, with a counter, tables and chairs, as well as comfortable leather-type chairs. Free wi-fi and computer outlets are available, and there is also TV and music in the background.

The bright and cheerful setting includes a colorful photo collage of many customers from the shop’s first 100 days, as well as a rotating art exhibit from area artists.

Also on the wall is a series of entertaining and informative “Yogurt Facts” denoting yogurt’s initial discovery and various highlights of its history. For example, the first frozen yogurt was introduced in 1968.

“This is a happy place,” says Cindy. “There are a lot of smiling faces, and we’re real busy after lunch and during the evening. We have had a great response — even better than we expected. It’s been a surprise how quickly we caught on.

Great Staff

“I love seeing everyone being happy,” she continues. “It makes my day! And we have lots of repeat customers. We’re getting to know people and making friends. We also have a great staff. They are very friendly and go out of their way to help customers.”

Cindy adds that Twist Yogurt welcomes suggestions from customers and tries to fill special requests. “People let us know about new ideas, and we also have a suggestion box.”

In the fall and winter, she plans a series of special events, such as “Game Night”, “Karaoke Night”, and “Movie Night”.

There is no question that customers are having fun — whether they opt for just a few ounces or a banana split. They leave with smiles on their faces.

“Our self-serve concept means that you are in total control of your yogurt experience,” says Cindy, adding that bottled water and vitamin waters are also available.

Gift certificates are offered, and hours are Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday noon to 10. (609) 454-3057. Website: www.twistyogurt.com.

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