Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Raven Williams, the head of Sales and Development at Sweet Frog. She was kind enough to answer a few questions I had regarding their company structure and growth.
If you are unaware of what Sweet Frog is, you should go visit the frozen yogurt hangout located next to the Subway on Hunter Hill. Williams explained they currently have 50-60 establishments, but they plan to expand to nearly 180 stores in 15 states by the end of the summer. This impressive growth is nothing when you consider the other expansionary ideas Derek Cha, the founder of Sweet Frog, has for his company. Children’s books, mascots, television shows, and video games are just some of the projects Cha is working on.
Some may find this to be a bit too ambitious; however, Cha has faith and relies on God to guide his company. In fact, the “frog” in Sweet Frog stands for “fully rely on God.” Williams described this Christian background as the backbone of their company, and “corporately our main goal is to do outreach in the community.”
Their goal to reach out to the community happens to also be one of their big methods to differentiate from other established frozen yogurt chains. For example, Sweet Frog mascots visit the children’s hospital in Richmond.
I have to say it was refreshing to hear someone talk about the importance of reaching out and performing acts of charity in the communities this company becomes involved in. I know this is already a common practice, but I wonder what kind of outreach would be best for Lexington.
Lexington is different from other towns Sweet Frog does business in because college students play such an important role in this establishment’s business. It would seem to me that the best option for Sweet Frog to get involved with charities that the fraternities and sororities are supporting. Donating frozen yogurt and money to the events that the fraternities and sororities host for charities, like Muscular Dystrophy Association and Relay for Life, would be a good start.
I wish Sweet Frog good luck and plan on eating there on many occasions this Spring Term.
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