New Yogurt Shop Aims to Become Local Hangout
By : Linda Sandsmark
August 12, 2009

A steady stream of customers is already lining up at Nubi Yogurt shop at Bayfair Center, attracted by the store’s healthy snacks and trendy atmosphere.

Nubi, which means “clouds” in Italian, offers a wide variety of self-serve frozen yogurts. Customers can then choose from over 40 toppings, including fresh fruit, candy and crunchy cereals.

“The main thing we provide here is selection,” says Nubi’s Director of Business Development, Tim Lan. “It’s also a fun environment. We’re creating a hang-out spot for the neighborhood.”

The new shop, which opened last week, is located between Jamba Juice and Kohl’s. The Los Angeles-based company chose San Leandro for several reasons.

“I think it’s a great location,” says Lan. “The Bayfair Center is being remodeled and there’s easy freeway access. There is a diverse customer base, the mall is great, and the BART station is right here.”

Twelve of Nubi’s 30 flavors are available each day. Customers pick up a cup, fill it with yogurt, then add their own toppings. Price is determined by weight.

Yogurt flavors include chocolate, vanilla, pistachio, cookies and cream, and seasonal favorites like pumpkin pie and eggnog. The yogurt itself is almost all fat-free, with the exception of Peanut Butter and Cake Batter, which are low fat.

It also features tart flavors such as raspberry pomegranate, which is a big favorite right now. The company’s signature flavor, Plain Tart, is both tangy and sweet. Lighter sorbets are offered in summer. Flavors and toppings are rotated often.

There is always at least one flavor with no sugar added, plus a dairy-free sorbet.

The sugar-free flavors vary, and include chocolate, vanilla, strawberry or blueberry. Dairyfree selections include fruity flavors such as pineapple, mango and “Hawaiian Delight.”

Toppings include fresh fruit and berries, in season, which are cut up on-site daily. Syrups (marshmallow crème, hot fudge, caramel, etc.) and cereals such as Cap’n Crunch, Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and granola may also be added on top.

Brand-name candy bits are offered, such as Snickers, M&Ms, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and gummi bears.

Brownie bites, cheesecake bites and cookie dough are available too. Forty toppings are offered each day.

Both outdoor and indoor seating are available, and free Wi-Fi access is coming soon.

Nubi Yogurt is located at 15555 E. 14th St., Suite 199, in Bayfair Center.
Hours are Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.