A New Frozen Yogurt Venue, Fresh Berry

You can smell the aroma of sweet sugar drifting by as you walk down the frequented shopping center known as University Commons. Frozen yogurt has exploded in popularity around Wilmington and it has made its mark again--this time off of New Center Drive.

Brad and Francy Bauer opened this Fresh Berry, located at 341 S. College Road, on Aug. 21, this year. It is an extension of their parent store, located in Porters Neck, which has been open for about a year and a half. 

Frozen yogurt was not always on the Bauer’s mind, but after working in insurance for over 35 years, they sought a fun retirement that would give customers an enjoyable experience.

The quality they prided themselves on in the insurance business carried over to their new venture. After visiting their daughter in Arkansas and making a short trip to Fresh Berry’s headquarters in Oklahoma, they decided to make the move from Ohio to North Carolina, where it was “always sunny and always happy,” Francy said.  

“The taste, hands down made our decision. We tried them all and this was the best quality,” Francy said.

Brad describes this business as his fun hobby. Francy enjoys the interactions she has with the customers on a daily basis, as well as the warmer weather down south.

After learning the ways of the frozen yogurt industry at their first store, they sought to expand. They agreed that the location near UNC Wilmington was in their best interest due to the college students demographic and successful surrounding businesses.

The convenient location is what Francy enjoyed, because it is located right next door to TJ Maxx and Home Goods.

Convenience is not the only factor that has made this new business thrive in the community. Aside from selling frozen yogurt, they also offer Small Cakes, which is a cupcake bakery. The Bauer’s made the decision to co-brand Fresh Berry and Small Cakes after seeing how popular the cupcakes were on a national level. There are only about 25 locations in the country that offer these two brands in one business.

“[Small Cakes] have been at the Oscars and other venues--voted as one of the top 10 cupcakes in the United States,” Brad said.

They wanted to bring something to Wilmington that most places don’t offer. With co-branding, Fresh Berry offers frozen yogurt, cupcakes, smoothies and catering. 

All of the cupcakes are baked fresh daily and there are a variety of flavors to choose from. Frozen yogurt flavors are rotated every so often, but they make sure to keep the signature flavors, like tart, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.

“I like the flavor and the consistency of the frozen yogurt,” said customer, Sam Joseph.

Brad and Francy agreed that there was not as much frozen yogurt competition in the area that people may think.

“We never bad mouth competition. We’re all in it together,” Brad said.

That sense of community has created a welcoming environment from nearby businesses, as most agree that each store is augmenting traffic for one another.

The healthier aspect of frozen yogurt drawn a huge demographic to these venues. Fresh Berry’s signature saying is that their yogurt contains beneficial live and active cultures. Since the opening, college students, families, and women have been the biggest customer base.

Each time a customer walks in, they are guaranteed to be greeted by an employee. Customer service and quality of product have been traits that Fresh Berry strives to keep to a high standard.

“The employees were pretty friendly, other customers were pretty nice, too,” said customer, Sarah Burgin.

Toppings are a huge asset to the frozen yogurt, as they add the finishing touches to the yogurt, and the Bauer’s ensure that they provide the best of the best. Fresh berries, hence the name, are guaranteed to be on the topping bar year round.

“Even in the middle of winter when I have to pay top dollar, I will have them out there,” Brad said.  “Never frozen berries.”

Going the extra mile for customer service and product quality has been no problem for the Bauer’s. They enjoy seeing parents come in with children to get them a ‘treat’ and knowing that they have found loyalty in their customer base.

Brad and Francy hope to open a new location soon, but for now they are working to develop their Small Cakes brand through catering and wedding cakes.

“We’re definitely developing a brand loyalty among customers,” said Brad. “They will keep coming back in and telling other people.”