RIVER VALLEY and OZARK AREA — Orange County, Calif., native Robin Orvin grew up with a self serve frozen-yogurt shop seemingly on every corner. She was 7 years old the first time she remembers enjoying the treat.
Now she lives in Conway, where it seems there’s a church on every corner.
“In California, you will see one church and go 10 miles and see another one,” she said. “It’s really nice here.”
And now, at the corner of a shopping center on Salem Road, the Orvins have their own frozen-yogurt shop.
The idea for the California Yogurt Company was a long time coming.
Robin’s husband, Cody Orvin, was born and raised in Conway but moved to California to earn a master’s degree in business administration.
“When I first moved to Orange County, I went to Yogurt Land, which is a chain out there,” he said. “It seemed like a great concept, so ever since then, I was thinking about where I could open one.” Cody said the California market is completely saturated with similar stores, so he decided to come back home to Conway.
The couple were married last October and moved to Conway on March 15 with plans to open their yogurt shop. They signed their lease on April 1 and opened the business May 28.
“The craziest part was the last two weeks when we were trying to get open,” Cody said.
“We were here until 5 a.m. some mornings.” The shop is on Salem Road next to Moe’s and in proximity of several competitors, including the Tropical Smoothie Café and the Marble Slab, but the Orvins don’t think that has slowed their business so far.
“I think it’s a good location,” Cody said. “Some people like their ice cream, and some people like their yogurt. We have had great success so far.”
The store also has a Facebook page.
“People come in and say, ‘So-and-so said that I had to try this place on Facebook. They said they just got back.’ So that’s been good,” Cody said.
Conway resident Ansley Fleming said he noticed the store while passing by one day.
“I love frozen yogurt, so I’ve been really interested in this place,” Fleming said.
Fleming s aid t hat he’s liked what he’s tried there so far and that he’s happy to see business growth in the area.
“It’s another good option,” he said. “I’m just happy that Conway is getting so many new, interesting places.”
The Orvins’ yogurt is supplied by Honey Hill Farms in Russellville and contains active cultures, just like nonfrozen yogurt you might pick up at the grocery store for breakfast or a snack.
“You can make the dessert quite healthy, depending on what you get,” Robin said. “You can put fruit on it and granola, or you can be sinful if you want. It’s kind of nice to have the option.”
The store is also completely self-serve, and Robin said no one will judge you for piling on the extras - unless maybe you’re a precocious 5-year-old.
“Little kids are weird,” Robin said with a laugh. “They might have the perfect cup, and you want to take a picture of it, and then they’ll drop on one gummy worm.”
The couple are having fun so far and would like to open a second store near Hendrix College in the fall if things go well.
“We don’t want to spread out too far,” Cody said. “We would like to stay here in Conway.”
“Conway is so helpful with the weather!” Robin added. “It’s hot and humid, but we really like it here.” - czilk@ arkansasonline.com
River Valley Ozark, Pages 59 on 06/17/2010