Ellington

With frozen yogurt gaining popularity in the Chattanooga area, Gadzooks Frozen Yogurt is opening this week in Fort Oglethorpe. Employees sport T-shirts that read “Fort O.’s First FroYo.”

“The self-serve frozen yogurt business is taking off,” said Gadzooks co-owner Robert Georgitso. “I have been looking for a business to start in Catoosa County. The frozen yogurt craze interests me.”

His new store has six yogurt machines with 12 varieties and six combination flavors. He said current flavors of interest are cinnamon bun, salted caramel pretzel, vanilla-chocolate mix, peanut butter and seasonal tastes of pumpkin and spiced apple. Gluten-free yogurt flavors will also be available.

A counter laden with toppings such as fresh fruit, crushed Oreos, peanut butter cups, cereals, sprinkles, hot fudge and syrups beckons those looking for an extra special treat.

“Frozen yogurt is a new wave,” said Georgitso’s daughter Sandy Stephens of Ringgold, store manager. “There’s nothing like this in the area.”

Stephens, who personally prefers the birthday cake flavor, said she is excited to introduce patrons to the pomegranate energy vitamin boost yogurt paired with the white chocolate mousse flavor. She said the combination creates a unique Turkish delight flavor. Co-owner Diann Georgitso prefers the dark chocolate and peanut butter mixed together to create peanut butter cup.

No matter which combination customers choose, Diann Georgitso said the 18 flavors of yogurt are good and healthy.

“Yogurt is just like ice cream, but better,” said Stephens. “We have non-fat flavors and sorbet for lactose intolerance.”

Everything is self-serve, with cost determined by weight, not the amount or kinds of flavors and toppings. After paying, customers can sit in the front of the store and watch TV or sit outside on the patio. A party room in the store is available for special events.

Stephens said Gadzooks seeks to support students in the community, not only by hiring them but also through hosting events such as “spirit nights” and school fundraisers. A community board is located at the back of the store to display events going on in Catoosa County.