Eater Chicago's intrepid reporter, Samantha Lande, contributed this report.
[Forever Yogurt's planned Belmont Red Line space]
Frozen Yogurt may not be the first thing you're thinking of mid-blizzard, but it certainly remains top of mind for Mandy Calara and Ahmad Yilmaz, proprietors of Forever Yogurt. Their Bucktown self-serve fro-yo shop and hot chocolate bar (for those of you still shivering) will soon expand by three additional locations in March, and 12 by the end of 2011 in Chicago and the suburbs. They're planning a South Beach shop and will start entertaining franchise offers this summer.
The three locations opening in March will be at 931 W. Belmont in Lakeview, 42 E. Chicago in the Gold Coast and 22 E. Chicago in Naperville. The Belmont spot will have a special Red Line theme, with the motif featuring CTA-inspired décor and, if the city agrees, an actual retired "El" car. Belmont, the chain's largest location to date, will also include a full-service coffee bar.
The Lakeview and Gold Coast locations will start serving patrons early morning and will have a few breakfast selections, including a make-your-own smoothie bar. The other eight locations will begin appearing in Lincoln Park, Evanston and Woodfield Mall. Calara and Yilmaz are scouting the now-defunct State Street Berry Chill location, which should fill that area's fro-yo void.
Forever Yogurt will rotate their 70 flavor varieties on a different schedule for each location, so check out their website to scout out red velvet, mango tango sorbet or any other custom concoction you happen to crave.
· Forever Yogurt [Website]
