Q&A with Noel Montemayor, Owner of the Yogurt Spot

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Ben Baggett

Noel Montemayor, Owner of The Yogurt Spot, tells us more about the Frozen Yogurt Industry                 

Can you tell us more about the frozen yogurt industry?

The frozen yogurt industry provides a healthy alternative choice to ice cream without sacrificing taste.  This industry provides just as many flavors as ice cream shops and without the extra calories or fat.

How has your industry changed in the last 10 years?  20 years? 

Frozen Yogurt probably first started with TCBY who carried basic flavors such as Chocolate and Vanilla.  These shops were full service where you set a price for different size cups.  Today's yogurt shops are self serve shops.  You can put however much or little amount of yogurt in your cup as well as many different toppings and you pay by the weight.  The consumer has full control on what they want to eat and pay for.

What trends do you see in your industry over the next 5 years?  Next 10 years?

 I see the market being congested with yogurt shops and the shops with the better product will survive.

What is the biggest concern about your industry that a franchisee candidate should be aware of and investigate? 

Again, the market being too congested with yogurt shops.  You cannot help competition and have to be prepared for it.  Be sure the area you want to open is somewhat protected from another shop opening across the street from you.

Why do you think The Yogurt Spot stands out in the industry? 

We serve a great product and have good branding. 

What makes your The Yogurt Spot more attractive than your competitors? 

When you taste our product compared to the competitors you can tell the difference.

Describe the ideal candidate.  Do you think your requirements are any different than your competitor's? 

The ideal candidate needs to be motivated, hard working, and be willing to put in the extra time to succeed.  Our requirements are probably the same.

What's the strongest skill you require in a candidate?  

They have to be motivated and willing to put in the hard work.

Describe the working environment of your franchisees. Is your environment typical of other companies in your industry?

 I think it just depends on the owner. Some owners want to be involved in the day to day operations.   Others would rather have managers and have a bird's eye view from the top.  I like to do a little of both.  I don't mind coming into the store and working and also managing from the outside looking in. 

Why has The Yogurt Spot been successful? 

I believe because we sell a good product and I continue to find ways to diversify our products and well as reaching out to the community and finding new ways to reach customers. 

What advice would you give someone interested in buying a franchise in your industry? 

Be ready to put in the time and effort since owning your own business is not as easy as it looks. 

How much experience in this industry should a franchisee candidate have should they consider buying a franchise in your industry? 

They probably need some experience in opening a business since there a lot of requirements needed by your county that you may not be aware of in order to open for business.