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In the last program, we discussed the Farr family and their 90-year old ice cream manufacturing company. Today's program will focus on the Farr's newest business endeavor, Farr's Fresh Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Cafes.
In early 2009, the Farr company teamed with Mark Gilleland, a local franchising expert, with an aim at creating a national franchise operation. Together they developed an exciting new frozen dessert shop concept offering "Fresh Serve" premium ice cream and frozen yogurt. The world is, of course, familiar with soft serve ice cream, which is great for making shakes and twist cones, but they have developed something different. Mark explained that their new concept uses the same delicious Farr Ice Cream recipes that have been sold in grocery stores for nearly 90 years, but in its best and purest form: fresh, before it is frozen.
The first Farr's Fresh Café opened in Clinton in September 2009. Since that time, the concept has caught hold enough that a second Farr's Fresh opened in Orem and another is scheduled to open shortly in South Ogden. The company has sold or is developing 10 additional franchise locations in Salt Lake City, Layton, St. George, Vernal and Las Vegas.
Mark says Farr's Fresh Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Cafes are like the ice cream equivalent of Build-a-Bear. Patrons come into the shop and choose from a wide variety of ice cream and frozen yogurt flavors in soft serve format. Customers then top their dessert with fresh fruit, candy, nuts, or an assortment of other flavorings. Customers pay by the ounce for their own customized desserts.
Within the next five years, Mark hopes to open about 400 Farr's Fresh franchise locations around the country. He feels the café's unique offering of fresh premium ice cream and sweet and tart frozen yogurt in one location distinguishes it from the competition and presents a most attractive investment for potential franchisees.
For Zions Bank, I'm Rob Brough. I'm speaking on business.
