Latest news with #Yo-Chi
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Yo-Chi goes global: Cult favourite frozen yoghurt chain is growing up
Cult favourite Australian frozen yoghurt chain, Yo-Chi, has been on a growth spurt. Within 12 months it has opened nearly two dozen new stores, bringing the chain's footprint to 56. The hype for the frozen self-serve dessert, fuelled by thumping music and neon lights, still attracts queues outside most stores on Friday and Saturday nights, but isn't as feverish as it once was. 'We've gone from that small business to almost, like, a cultural moment, which is crazy to even say,' said brand director Oliver Allis. 'But think the love is still super strong. We're not as new as we were when we last spoke, but I think we're still doing so many fun, positive things.' Yo-Chi is not only growing up but going abroad: the chain made its global launch this weekend in Singapore's Orchard Central, a 2.5-kilometre-long strip in an upscale shopping district, giving Singaporeans a taste of Australian frozen yoghurt for the first time. Just for reference, gelato titan Messina has 30-odd stores in Australia, two in Hong Kong, and one in Singapore. Gelatissimo has around 60 but doesn't command the same interest. Starbucks has over 80 in Australia and isn't consistently profitable yet. By the end of 2024, Yo-Chi just about doubled the previous year's sales to $53.7 million and made over $11.5 million in post-tax profits, according to documents filed to the corporate regulator. 'We saw Singapore really as a really strategic launch pad, hopefully to grow Yo-Chi in Asia. If we can prove ourselves in Singapore, it's a really great starting point to then grow to Thailand, or China, or Japan, and places like that,' said Allis. Singapore's store will look and feel 'exactly the same' as Yo-Chis in Australia, albeit with toppings like mango sago and gula melaka (palm sugar) syrup to suit local preferences. (Allis' suggestion to include durian was shot down by his team with a 'hard no'.) A new topping, 'orange candy melon', is coming soon to Australians. New yoghurt flavours are in the works. 'We love being ahead of the trends,' said Allis. 'Once the trend has got traction and it starts going into mainstream, like [if] one of those fast food outlets like McDonald's would ever consider doing one of these flavours, we'd never do it,' he said. 'We need to make sure that we're always beating them.' Yo-Chi bears all the hallmarks of a millennial company: environmentally responsible, brand-savvy, doesn't take itself too seriously, chronically online. Allis steers it with a mature palate ('I'm so cautious of not looking like a lolly store') and a long-term lens on business relationships. Yo-Chi doesn't suffer from a shortage of willing suitors and can afford to be picky. 'We get emails every week about, can we be your partner in Singapore, the US, the UK,' said Allis.
The Age
a day ago
- Business
- The Age
Yo-Chi goes global: Cult favourite frozen yoghurt chain is growing up
Cult favourite Australian frozen yoghurt chain, Yo-Chi, has been on a growth spurt. Within 12 months it has opened nearly two dozen new stores, bringing the chain's footprint to 56. The hype for the frozen self-serve dessert, fuelled by thumping music and neon lights, still attracts queues outside most stores on Friday and Saturday nights, but isn't as feverish as it once was. 'We've gone from that small business to almost, like, a cultural moment, which is crazy to even say,' said brand director Oliver Allis. 'But think the love is still super strong. We're not as new as we were when we last spoke, but I think we're still doing so many fun, positive things.' Yo-Chi is not only growing up but going abroad: the chain made its global launch this weekend in Singapore's Orchard Central, a 2.5-kilometre-long strip in an upscale shopping district, giving Singaporeans a taste of Australian frozen yoghurt for the first time. Just for reference, gelato titan Messina has 30-odd stores in Australia, two in Hong Kong, and one in Singapore. Gelatissimo has around 60 but doesn't command the same interest. Starbucks has over 80 in Australia and isn't consistently profitable yet. By the end of 2024, Yo-Chi just about doubled the previous year's sales to $53.7 million and made over $11.5 million in post-tax profits, according to documents filed to the corporate regulator. 'We saw Singapore really as a really strategic launch pad, hopefully to grow Yo-Chi in Asia. If we can prove ourselves in Singapore, it's a really great starting point to then grow to Thailand, or China, or Japan, and places like that,' said Allis. Singapore's store will look and feel 'exactly the same' as Yo-Chis in Australia, albeit with toppings like mango sago and gula melaka (palm sugar) syrup to suit local preferences. (Allis' suggestion to include durian was shot down by his team with a 'hard no'.) A new topping, 'orange candy melon', is coming soon to Australians. New yoghurt flavours are in the works. 'We love being ahead of the trends,' said Allis. 'Once the trend has got traction and it starts going into mainstream, like [if] one of those fast food outlets like McDonald's would ever consider doing one of these flavours, we'd never do it,' he said. 'We need to make sure that we're always beating them.' Yo-Chi bears all the hallmarks of a millennial company: environmentally responsible, brand-savvy, doesn't take itself too seriously, chronically online. Allis steers it with a mature palate ('I'm so cautious of not looking like a lolly store') and a long-term lens on business relationships. Yo-Chi doesn't suffer from a shortage of willing suitors and can afford to be picky. 'We get emails every week about, can we be your partner in Singapore, the US, the UK,' said Allis.
New Paper
4 days ago
- Business
- New Paper
Australia's cult froyo brand Yo-Chi makes Singapore debut at Orchard Central
Calling all frozen yogurt lovers. Australia's famed self-serve yogurt and acai brand Yo-Chi has launched its first overseas outlet at Orchard Central on Aug 15. Founded in Melbourne in 2012, Yo-Chi has grown a cult following with its strong social media game and hip branding, particularly among the Gen Z and Gen Alpha demographic. As in Australia, the 60-seat cafe here - complete with a disco ball and pumping pop hits - operates as a self-serve, pay-by-weight concept. To start, pick a cup or cone and swirl your own frozen yogurt flavour, including its Original Tart, Chocolate, Matcha and Mango, all made in-store with Australian milk. Then add an array of toppings. Options include chocolate chip cookie dough, mini mochi, chocolate brownie cake and fresh fruits, plus the Singapore-exclusive coconut jelly and nata de coco. Finish with white or dark chocolate sauce, or warm Nutella. For that final local touch, add a cracker that says Yo-Chi Is So Shiok. Finally, weigh your order at the counter for payment. Prices start at $3.50 for 100g. Ahead of the store's opening on Aug 15 at 11am, a queue of about 200 people had already formed. First in line was a 16-year-old student who wanted to be known only as Miss Rui. She had been waiting since 3.15am. "I like frozen yogurt and knew of Yo-Chi from TikTok," she says, nodding in approval after taking her first bites of the dessert. This was her first taste of Yo-Chi and her order comprised the chocolate and original yogurt flavours, along with toppings of brownie, mochi and nata de coco. Her treat was priced at $4.25 after a 20 per cent discount from downloading the Yo-Chi app, for this weekend only. She also received one of 50 goodie bags for the first 50 in line. The brand's entry into Singapore is a joint venture with the Allis family who own the chain in Australia; Ms Amy Bell, the Australian co-owner of Yo-Chi Singapore; and her Singaporean business partner. Ms Bell, 40, has been living in Singapore for the past 13 years with her family, and is also the founder of online grocer platform The Meat Club. She previously ran another soft-serve brand called Cocowhip, from 2015 to 2019. Ms Bell was introduced to Ms Janine Allis, founder of famed Australian smoothie brand Boost Juice, by a mutual friend when they were out surfing at Byron Bay seven months ago. Discussions followed, leading to Yo-Chi's debut here. Ms Bell is scouting for locations to expand here and will venture into the South-east Asian region "once the Singapore experience is perfected". Yo-Chi is still expanding in Australia. Currently at 56 outlets, it is set to go beyond 60 by the end of 2025. Yo-Chi's opening here follows the arrival of another notable dessert brand from Australia: Gelato Messina, which has been drawing queues since opening at Club Street in May. Yo-Chi's co-owner and brand director Oliver Allis, who is Ms Allis' son, says: "Our goal is to do things differently and be a beaming light of positivity and authenticity in today's dreary world. "Whether you are taking your grandparents out for a walk, going on a first date or just chilling with your friends, Yo-Chi aims to be a space where people from all walks of life feel welcome." Yo-Chi at 01-06 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, and opens from 10am to 10pm (Mondays to Thursdays), 10am to 11.30pm (Fridays to Sundays). For more information, go to
New Paper
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Paper
Makan: Treat yourself to these deals this weekend (Aug 15 to 17)
From cool frozen treats to festive mooncakes and comforting heritage dishes, enjoy a variety of flavours with these new culinary launches. Here's where to eat and drink next. 1. Beat the heat with Yo-Chi's frozen yogurt and acai Looking to cool down amid the hot weather? Indulge in a cup of frozen yogurt or acai with Australia's popular dessert brand, Yo-Chi. Newly launched in Singapore on Aug 15, this sweet treat is perfect as a dessert or midday snack. Yo-Chi is the first in Singapore to offer a self-serve açaí experience, with sustainably sourced, organic açaí and an array of cut, fresh fruits. Choose from garnishes such as chocolate chip cookie dough, mini mochi, fresh strawberries, or exclusive toppings such as nata de coco, coconut jelly, or mango popping pearls. Expect a crowd this opening weekend at their store located at Orchard Central. 2. Celebrate this Mid-Autumn Festival with Thye Moh Chan mooncakes Thye Moh Chan's mooncake sets are perfect for gifting or intimate gatherings. PHOTO: THYE MOH CHAN Local pastry brand Thye Moh Chan is inviting families to come together this Mid-Autumn Festival with its latest collection of handcrafted Teochew mooncakes. The collection features seven varieties, including the Assorted Nuts with Lotus Paste, limited edition Yam with Salted Egg Yolk and Mao Shan Wang Durian. Classics such as the Salty Tau Sar with Salted Egg Yolk and Sweet Tau Sar with Melon Seeds are also available. The offerings are for sale from Aug 22 to Oct 6 at all Thye Moh Chan outlets, and selected BreadTalk and Toast Box outlets and delivery platforms. 3. Indulge in hearty Eurasian flavours with D'Legacy D'Legacy serves up warm and comforting Eurasian dishes. PHOTO: D'LEGACY If you love comforting, home-style cooking, this new spot helmed by a mother-son team - Daryl Nonis and Philomena Nonis - will hit the spot. Specialising in Eurasian fare with a nostalgic touch, the menu serves up hearty, flavour-packed dishes. Highlights include Babi Pongteh - a slow-braised stew of tender pork belly - and the light, nutty Sugee Cake, perfect for gifting or as a sweet ending to your meal. Mr Nonis said in a press release that they wanted to give more exposure to Eurasian food, and "raise awareness about our unique Eurasian culture and heritage". Find D'Legacy at Chef X, Clarke Quay Central, open Wednesdays to Sundays, 11.30am to 9pm. 4. Celebrate SG60 with Tim Ho Wan's local-inspired dim sum Tim Ho Wan's SG60 menu adds a local twist to dim sum favourites, from sambal fried rice to bak kut teh soup dumplings. PHOTO: TIM HO WAN Tim Ho Wan has rolled out a special menu that gives its Hong Kong-style dim sum a distinctly Singaporean twist. Available at all outlets until August 31, the line-up includes Crispy Shrimp Cake with Nonya Sauce, fiery Sambal Seafood Fried Rice, and a comforting Hong Kong Soup Dumpling in peppery bak kut teh broth. Sweet tooths can go for the chewy Mao Shan Wang Durian Sesame Ball, while the decadent Iced Tamarind White Peach Oolong Tea offers a tangy, refreshing counterpoint to the heat. The celebration also comes with exclusive National Day e-vouchers, featuring deals on their Signature Baked BBQ Pork Buns, Hong Kong desserts, and a Dim Sum Fun Pack for four. Whether you're in for the spice, the sweetness or both, this is one festive feast you won't want to miss. 5. Indulge in local delights at The Orchard Cafe The Halal-Certified buffet provides a range of options for any palate. PHOTO: THE ORCHARD CAFE The Singalicious buffet returns with a lavish spread featuring fresh seafood, premium roasts, and nostalgic local creations. Prepared in a halal-certified kitchen, this buffet offers a range of heritage-inspired features - from chef live stations serving up local favourites like Popiah with Crab Claw, Oyster Omelette, and Signature Laksa, to buffet highlights like Singapore Chilli Crab with Fried Mantou and Black Pepper Crab. Finish off the night with indulgent sweet treats like Homemade Soya Beancurd and their Signature D24 Durian Pengat. To celebrate SG60, guests enjoy 60% off every second diner throughout the promotion period, from now till Aug 31. 6. JUMBO Group's new Xing Yue Xuan brings refined Cantonese dining to Resorts World Sentosa Savour refined Cantonese classics and live seafood in the elegant setting of Xing Yue Xuan at Resorts World Sentosa. PHOTO: XING YUE XUAN JUMBO Group has debuted its first-ever premium Cantonese concept with Xing Yue Xuan, an intimate restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa's WEAVE. The menu blends time-honoured techniques with modern flair, from delicate Duo Dim Sum Platters with truffle-infused siew mai to luxurious Double-boiled Fish Maw Kampung Chicken Soup. Live seafood takes centre stage, with standout dishes like the Xing Yue Xuan fuss-free crab prepared in signature black pepper, award-winning chilli, or steamed with custard egg and caviar. For an indulgent finish, try the Classic Chinese Duo Pastry Platter or bird's nest served hot with almond cream. With its elegant Chao Shan-inspired interiors and private dining rooms, this is the place for a refined meal worth lingering over.
Time Out
4 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
Famous Australian frozen yoghurt brand Yo-Chi opens in Singapore with 10 flavours and over 30 toppings
Who remembers the golden age of frozen yoghurt in Singapore? Yes, we're talking about the days when DIY froyo joints like Sogurt, Frolick, Yami Yogurt, Tutti Frutti, and Yoguru were all the rage. Well, Yo-Chi, Australia's popular frozen yoghurt chain that's now open in Singapore, might be just the thing needed to make froyo great again. The store welcomed its first customers at Orchard Central on August 15, 2025. Queues had already started forming as early as 9am, two hours ahead of the official opening. For those curious about the hype, Yo-Chi is a Melbourne-based brand born in 2012, with over 30 locations across Australia. This new store in Orchard Central is its first international outlet. The brand is known for its fun, self-serve concept that lets customers customise their own froyo or acai cups. Yo-Chi Singapore offers acai and nine frozen yoghurt flavours: cookies and cream, salted butterscotch, signature tart, mango, strawberry cream, matcha, classic vanilla, chocolate and coconut. On the toppings counter, you'll find a dizzying array of around 35 toppings, ranging from freshly cut fruits and compotes to jellies, popping pearls, mochi, candies and various sauces. Some, like the coconut jelly and nata de coco, are even exclusive to Singapore. These toppings will also rotate seasonally. Each cup is priced at $3.50 per 100 grams, and don't worry, the paper cups are tared. Ours, which was filled to the brim with matcha and strawberry cream yoghurt, popping pearls and mochi, came up to be about 368 grams ($12.88). If you prefer your froyo plain, the signature tart, which is Yo-Chi's original flavour, is a must-try. It's creamier and milkier than most frozen yoghurts we've tried, with none of that icy, watery texture. That's because Yo-Chi uses real Australian cows' milk instead of powder for its yoghurt, which also happens to be 98 per cent fat-free and packed with healthy probiotics. The signature tart is one of the brand's three OG (and gluten-free) flavours, with the others being classic vanilla and salted butterscotch. Since it's a DIY concept, you can mix and match as many flavours as you like. The mango is a hot favourite, made with the real fruit. Meanwhile, the cookies and cream, strawberry cream and matcha flavours are on the lighter side, while chocolate and salted butterscotch are richer and more indulgent. Those going entirely dairy-free can opt for acai instead – Yo-Chi is the first to bring the self-serve acai concept to Singapore. The store is also one of only three Yo-Chi outlets to feature a Nutella fountain near the checkout – that's right, Nutella on tap. At the checkout counter, you'll also spot a range of merchandise, including Yo-Chi KeepCup Go Bowls for planet-friendly froyo runs. And make sure to look out for the brand's adorable koala bear mascot welcoming you at the entrance.
