News
Tasti D-Lite franchise opens in Scottsdale
Tasti D-Lite, a frozen-dessert chain with a cult following on the East Coast, has expanded into Scottsdale, with 40 stores planned in Arizona over the next decade.
Jonathan and Jennifer Kaufman raised the curtain in November on the first franchise at the Scottsdale Airpark, 15425 N. Scottsdale Road. As area developers, they signed an agreement to open stores across Arizona.
"It's the right product at the right time," said Jonathan Kaufman, a former executive in the non-profit field. "What makes it even more ideal, in terms of the opportunity, is that the commercial real-estate market is down."
Kaufman said he first sampled the dessert in New York and admired the company's philosophy and product.
Tasti D-Lite, with corporate headquarters in Tennessee, announced its intent to offer franchises last year, and most of its 50 stores have converted to the franchise model. The Kaufmans' store fits the archetype, with a colorful interior and 100-plus flavors of creamy soft serve.
Billed as a healthier alternative to ice cream, the product is made from a vanilla or chocolate dairy base composed mostly of water, non-fat milk, sugar and corn syrup. Flavoring is added to form unusual flavors such as Praline Crunch, Peanut Butter 'n Jelly and Burnt Sugar. Chips, nuts and sprinkles provide extra crunch. Fruit toppings are also available. "The sugars are really low," Jennifer Kaufman said, "and the product is real and light."
According to the company's Web site, a 4-ounce serving has between 70 and 100 calories, depending on the flavor.
Tasti D-Lite came under scrutiny several years ago when tests revealed the company's calorie and cholesterol counts might be off. The chain later settled with the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs for $100,000 and agreed to stop using the phrases "low calorie" and "cholesterol free."
Nikki Sells, vice president of franchise development, said the company expects to add between 50 and 75 stores nationwide by 2011. Tasti D-Lite also has master franchisees in South Korea, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.
(c) Copyright 2010, The Arizona Republic. All Rights Reserved.
Jonathan and Jennifer Kaufman raised the curtain in November on the first franchise at the Scottsdale Airpark, 15425 N. Scottsdale Road. As area developers, they signed an agreement to open stores across Arizona.
"It's the right product at the right time," said Jonathan Kaufman, a former executive in the non-profit field. "What makes it even more ideal, in terms of the opportunity, is that the commercial real-estate market is down."
Kaufman said he first sampled the dessert in New York and admired the company's philosophy and product.
Tasti D-Lite, with corporate headquarters in Tennessee, announced its intent to offer franchises last year, and most of its 50 stores have converted to the franchise model. The Kaufmans' store fits the archetype, with a colorful interior and 100-plus flavors of creamy soft serve.
Billed as a healthier alternative to ice cream, the product is made from a vanilla or chocolate dairy base composed mostly of water, non-fat milk, sugar and corn syrup. Flavoring is added to form unusual flavors such as Praline Crunch, Peanut Butter 'n Jelly and Burnt Sugar. Chips, nuts and sprinkles provide extra crunch. Fruit toppings are also available. "The sugars are really low," Jennifer Kaufman said, "and the product is real and light."
According to the company's Web site, a 4-ounce serving has between 70 and 100 calories, depending on the flavor.
Tasti D-Lite came under scrutiny several years ago when tests revealed the company's calorie and cholesterol counts might be off. The chain later settled with the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs for $100,000 and agreed to stop using the phrases "low calorie" and "cholesterol free."
Nikki Sells, vice president of franchise development, said the company expects to add between 50 and 75 stores nationwide by 2011. Tasti D-Lite also has master franchisees in South Korea, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates.
(c) Copyright 2010, The Arizona Republic. All Rights Reserved.
