Frozurt Craze!
When I was visiting my older brother in Long Island this summer he took me to a place that I have repeatedly dreamed about revisiting. It is a frozen yogurt shop called “16 Handles” where there are 16 ever-changing flavors and toppings to choose from. The shop is set up self-serve style where you choose your cup size, yogurt flavors, and toppings before paying for your treat by the ounce. If you’re craving a simple chocolate and vanilla mix with sprinkles, have at it. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous go ahead and add a little bit of red velvet yogurt, a hint of mango yogurt, a sprinkle of coconut yogurt, and top it all off with fresh pineapple and Oreos.
Slowly but surely we’re hopping on the band wagon here in Lowell. As I was leaving the gym the other night and headed to the ATM on Rte. 110 I couldn’t help but notice a glowing sign that read “FROZURT” and was begging for me to go and see what it was all about. Nothing like a little treat after the gym, right?
When I walked inside I started talking to the owner, Odom Eang, who said he opened up the shop a few months ago and was already starting to see success even through the colder months. There was a younger worker there to offer samples of the 6 flavors of the week that are available and walk you through the process if you have any questions.
They offer a variety of over 40 toppings ranging from fresh fruits including blackberries, strawberries, kiwi and pineapple, to all kinds of candy bars including butterfingers, heath bars, snickers, and even raw cookie dough. For the health conscious “frogurter” there are nuts and granola as well.
Once you’ve completed your masterpiece you head to the register where you’re charged by weight, $0.42/oz, I find a typical serving size (not FDA approved that is) to cost around $4-5.00 a cup. They only take CASH, but are conveniently located next door to a Bank of America. They’re open 7 days a week 12pm-10pm and are located at 724 Chelmsford Street in Lowell. I highly suggest checking this place out. I returned for my second time Thursday night at 8pm and the place was packed, there weren’t any seats available and a line to start filling your cup…everyone must agree with me that it’s always fun to feel good about eating frozen yogurt and then loading it up with chocolate candy bars!