FroYo Fans Get Their First Taste of Yogurtland

When they weren't pacing eagerly on the sidewalk of Newton Centre a group of frozen yogurt fans had their hands and faces pressed to the glass at Yogurtland.

Franchisee Anthony Parrinello grinned at their eagerness even as he and a few other employees rushed around the brightly colored storefront on the way to opening the store at 1231 Centre St.

When the doors did open, the customers rushed in and Parrinello watched as his first customers got a taste of a frozen yogurt that won him over when he and his business partner started researching franchise opportunities. 

"Our analysis and homework led us to two [frozen yogurt franchises]," Parrinello said. "Once we had the product... it really blew me away in terms of the taste and consistency."

In fact, Parrinello admitted that, while he also loves the exotic flavors Yogurtland offers, it was the vanilla that won him over.

"What really matters is the product," he said.

Parrinello's background is in marketing and business, specifically in the sleep management industry. It was through that career that he met physician Noah Siegel about eight years ago. When Siegel decided he wanted to branch into something completely new, he contacted Parrinello to be his partner.

"I always wanted to do my own thing," Parrinello said. "I just always wanted to have the opportunity to captain my own ship."

Parrinello said that the hope is to open multiple Yogurtland locations in the Boston-area in the coming months, which would fit with the Irvine, Calif.-based company's announced plans to grow its presence in the Boston area.

"Yogurt is obviously a very strong category and the market is expanding rapidly," Parrinello said. "From a health perspective, it's a more healthy treat than other things out there."

Besides having a love of the yogurt, Parrinello has a special connection to Newton. He attended graduate school at Boston College and said he spent a lot of time in Newton Centre during those years.

"I just feel very at home here," Parrinello said. "I'd like Yogurtland to be a family gathering place, especially for kids.

"You make a bad day, good and a good day, better," Parrinello continued. "I have an opportunity to put smiles on people's faces."