CUPS Frozen Yogurt, the beach-themed self-serve fro-yo concept, will open its first franchise location at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, at Rockaway Townsquare in Rockaway, New Jersey.
From March 28 to March 31, the Rockaway CUPS will donate 15 percent of sales to the Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund.
Also, during the grand-opening week, each Rockaway customer will be given a scratch-off card, which contains prizes such as wristbands, beach balls, water bottles, beach towels, and CUPS coupons. One lucky winner will receive free fro-yo for a year.
Susan Witham, the Rockaway CUPS franchisee, is a successful businesswoman and long-time supporter of the Rockaway community.
Until 2012, Witham and her family lived in Rockaway Township for 20 years. Witham has 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with 12 years managing and leading regulatory and quality teams. She most recently owned and managed a tanning salon.
Since opening the first CUPS in Clifton, New Jersey, in 2010, CUPS has taken the Tri-State area by storm, becoming the local hot spot for teenagers and adults alike, who make their own fro-yo concoctions choosing from 24 yogurt flavors, more than 50 different toppings, and three sauces.
CUPS cofounder Rick Barbrick says CUPS is much more than frozen yogurt; CUPS was designed around the experience.
“It’s more of a club-like experience,” he says. “We pump out club dance music at volumes that create a highly energetic vibe; a lounge-type design with couches, ottomans, and eclectic murals; and ‘cast members’ with infectiously fun personalities.
“It’s the complete experience that gives us that edgy vibe versus an everyday yogurt bar or ice cream shop experience,” he adds.
CUPS opened its 10th company location two months ago in Carle Place, New York. Since the beginning of 2012, CUPS has signed more than 10 new area development agreements representing 25 franchise units in New Jersey, New York, and Florida.
