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How many rocket scientists (and their friends) does it take to serve frozen yogurt? Just about 21 or so if you ask Mr. Yogato, the anthropomorphic mascot of a new shop opening tomorrow in Dupont Circle. Yes, rocket scientists. Steve Davis, the company's founder and "Man of Yogurt" is also an employee of SpaceX, a space exploration company with an office in D.C. Struck by the lack of "froyo" options when he transferred here (though that is increasingly no longer the case), Davis conceived of the operation with his rocket launching pals as his partners. Their vision: bringing yogurt and delicious toppings to D.C., and bringing fun and goofiness back to frozen yogurt.
Mr. Yogato will carry 18 flavors on a rotating basis, always featuring Original Tangy, a tart, more sophisticated cousin to Original Soft, which is for unreformed TCBY fans. Mango and Marino's Mojito are the other debut options - all non-fat. Dozens of topping choices highlight several fresh fruits, all delivered daily. Sizes come in Little ($2.75) Middle ($3.50), and Huge ($5.00). One topping is $0.75. Three are $1.50. So an 8 ounce yogurt with starfruit, blackberry, and fruity pebbles will set you back $5. Added bonus: honey, cinnamon, sprinkles, olive oil (another fan suggestion) and wireless internet are all free.
The Rules of Yogato also offer a number of ways to get a discount: Singing a rendition of the annoying Styx classic "Mr. Roboto", reciting the battlefield speech from Braveheart, or answering/asking trivia questions can earn customers discounts from 10 percent to 20 percent (and if you answer incorrectly, 10 percent is tacked on. Seriously). For the more fanatic froyo eaters, lifetime discounts and honorary flavor names can be earned. For tomorrow's opening day, anyone who orders in a Scottish accent gets $1 off. (Davis really loves Braveheart). And be sure to leave your tag on the shop's whiteboard wall.
Although word of Mr. Yogato's opening has spread through Facebook, Davis decided to keep the opening a low-key affair. Despite having an advertising budget, Davis didn't know how to spend the money, so he didn't. Still, as the partners have toiled to set the store up this week, passers by continually walk in to try to get yogurt or ask about the opening. And though he was open to the olive oil suggestion, Davis does shoot down an idea to put an "opening Saturday" sign outside. He's ordered enough product to serve 8,000 on opening day and is worried about being overwhelmed by Scottish impersonators on Day 1. Start practicing your accent and ordering technique.
Mr. Yogato
1515 17th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
202.629.3531
Sunday - Thursday: noon - 11 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: noon - 1 a.m.
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Frozen yogurt -- feh. Where is the frozen custard in DC? Somebody open a Kohr Brothers franchise.
@ mike: the frozen custard at rita's is nommy.
real frozen custard is available at the dairy godmother in del ray.
IMGoph-That line isn't attributable to "The Man of Yogurt." It was my line as a suggestion on how to order your yogurt. Fixed now. I'd still encourage you to use that line when ordering in your Scottish accent though.
Adam Bailey: That so-called Wisconsin-style custard doesn't make it. Coney Island, Electro-Freeze -- that's custard.
@ Mike Licht:
I don't know of any custard stand in DC-proper, but there are several in Virginia. There's Frozen Dairy Bar in Falls Church and in Del Ray, Alexandria.
There used to be a Kohr Bros. in Ballston mall, but it closed years ago. The closest ones are in Ocean City and Rehoboth.
For the Yogurt shop itself...
The toppings are also cursed.
mike licht: well, i don't know about wisconsin-style custard here in the dc area, but kopp's in milwaukee kicks ass. that stuff is so thick you're not able to get up out of your chair for an hour!
*er, the dairy godmother is what i meant to say, but someone already covered that.
The comments board is also cursed.
i love the dairy godmother.
Domo arigato Mr. Yogato.
Hold the starfruit though. I'm... er, trying to cut down.
If the electro-freeze tastes anything like the frozen styrofoam they inject into the Rita's water ice, then count me out. If it tastes like the magic soft serve you get in small town burger joints on the west coast, count me in.
i keep seeing a frozen custard place on church street in vienna.
but what the heck is it??
Anybody have a review of Dickie's Custard on I St. between Conn. and 18th (Farragut West)?
dodgecitydave: yeah, we walk down there from lunch in the afternoon sometimes. nothing fancy, just chocolate and vanilla frozen custard (and lowfat yogurt). simple and inexpensive. you can get a few toppings, like sprinkles, too...