A brand new business is set to open up along the Elmwood strip in Buffalo. WBFO'S Eileen Buckley says White Rabbit Frozen Yogurt will open in June in the Elmwood Village.
The frozen yogurt shop will feature 18-flavors to customers.
Carly Battin is executive director of the Elmwood Village Association. Battin tells WBFO News the owners will open the store at 802 Elmwood Avenue at Auburn -- across from the Lexington Coop in the former Dolci Bakery building.
"White Rabbit Frozen Yogurt is going to be opening up on Elmwood in June," said Battin. "So it's sad to see a business like (Dolci) no longer have a retail location on the strip, but we are really excited to see White Rabbit come in."
Dolci was a popular hot spot for bake goods for years, but closed in 2011 and consolidated with its shop on Grant Street that was selling gelato.
Battin said fortunately vacancies don't last too long.
"Well we're really lucky in terms of vacancies on the street. I think there is so much demand from businesses that want to locate on Elmwood, we really don't see storefronts vacant for long," said Battin.
Part owner and manager of the new yogurt shop -- Andy Kandola of Buffalo -- said he's excited to set up business.
"It's time for the Elmwood community to experience frozen yogurt in a new way," said Kandola.
Different types of fruit toppings will be offered for the frozen yogurt.
Kandola tells WBFO News he wanted to provide a healthy dessert option.
"We looked at options for healthy desserts and there are not too many in the area," said Kandola. "I was introduced to the frozen yogurt by my girlfriend in Toronto."
Kandola said the frozen yogurt treat is expected to be about one-third or one-fourth the fat of ice cream.
Flavors include cotton candy, red velvet and classic vanilla.
Kandola said they selected the Elmwood Avenue location for its population and walking traffic. "It made sense and is an attractive location," said Kandola.
White Rabbit Frozen Yogurt is also expected to two other locations in suburban Buffalo.
The first will open in Tonawanda on Niagara Falls Boulevard near the 290. That location is expected to open early June. The Elmwood site will open toward the end of June, and a third store will open in Niagara Falls.
But the Elmwood location will be seeing some competition. Word is another frozen yogurt shop called "Yotality" will also open on Elmwood near M&T Bank.
Kandola confirmed that he knows about the other yogurt shop. But he welcomes the competition.
"It gives people more options," said Kandola.