Bernadette Castro and her family were told they could open a frozen yogurt shop anywhere in the state.
Castro, a UF alumna and former New York politician, told Red Mango executives Gainesville is the place to be.
“I was a Chi Omega there, I participated in Gator Growl as a performer — the whole thing,” said Castro, who splits time living in Ocala and New York. “I just loved the fact that there is this city within a city that never sleeps.”
Construction began Sunday, and the store is expected to open the second week of May. Red Mango, located at 3333 SW 34th St., will be next to Plato’s Closet.
With its opening, Red Mango will give local frozen yogurt lovers yet another option.
Gainesville already has three TCBYs, two Yogaberrys, a Mochi and a Lollicup.
Mochi executives are in the process of bringing two more franchises to Gainesville, meaning the city will have 10 frozen yogurt shops in the coming months.
“People are looking for a guilt-free treat,” Castro said of the boom in frozen yogurt stores. “And I think they want something, unlike ice cream, that doesn’t make you feel full.”
Castro said she hopes to make Red Mango the “Starbucks of frozen yogurt.” At 2,000 square feet, the Gainesville shop will be the largest of Red Mango’s 67 locations.
The Gainesville location will have a special study area, wireless Internet access for students and a Mango Pit, an area where musicians can perform.
“It will be a neat environment for kids to hang out,” said Terri Keogh, Castro’s daughter and co-owner of the shop.
Customers will be able to vote on which 12 flavors of yogurt the shop will carry on Red Mango’s soon-to-be launched Facebook page.
