As a 21 year old D.C. native and exclusively East Coast dweller, I don’t and never have gotten it- “it” being the quintessential dessert that west coasters have been enjoying for decades and decades—this almost half melted, counter-intuitively healthy and multi-purposed snack, meal, and dessert—frozen yogurt (affectionately referred to by many as ‘Fro- Yo’).  Until this summer, I didn’t even really know what frozen yogurt was or what all the fuss was about. Then, a few short weeks ago, Tangysweet, the first of at least three frozen yogurt places slated to open this summer cracked its trendy, frosty, party having doors, inviting DCers in for this creation.  Yesterday I ventured with my supervisor, Arielle, to help get the swirl on the nation capital’s second summer frozen yogurt opening, Mr. Yogato. 

Mr. Yogato, located at 1515 17th Street NW, is a frozen yogurt place operated by (you'll never guess) 21 rocket scientists and their family and friends.  What you won't find at this frozen yogurt place is hip lighting and no table tables (read: Tangysweet).  Instead, you’ll find a kooky, wacky place that aims to serve some good frozen yogurt and a large dose of fun to its customers, according to rocket scientist, PHD student, self proclaimed “man of yogurt,” and manager of Mr. Yogato, Steve Davis. 

This philosophy was made apparent to us upon arrival as Davis, excited to add two more people to his modest crew of four “happened to be around today” friends turned taste testers, handed us three mango flavored samples, allowing us to help determine which one would be the star on opening day.  Number 2 won, as it had a far more substantial mango taste.  And it shouldn’t surprise you the same exact philosophy was used to decide the quite cleaver name of the store.  They came up with 230 different possible names, chose the top five and then took to the streets to ask people which one they preferred. Although Mr. Yogato was originally a joke candidate, 70% of people preferred it and thus the name was adopted. 

Involving the community also means that at Mr. Yogato, if we want it, we can have it.  Think olive oil is a good topping? Not only will they go out and get it, but it will earn a spot on their 'toppings' list next to more traditional additions like junior mints and chocolate chips.  When I asked Steve about whether or not Mr. Yogato planned on offering a different winter menu from their summer menu, he jumped up and said, “that’s a great idea, what do you mean?” Steve and the Yogato crew are open to any suggestions from patrons, and if the suggested topping or flavor is adopted, that customer receives a 5% discount for life.  Not bad, huh?

The crew at Mr. Yogato is having a blast and they are doing everything they can to ensure that you will be too. For starters, they plan to have board games for use around the shop as a well as a rule board will be up behind the counter. The rules are all about having fun and getting money off the already cheapest frozen yogurt in the country (he did his homework).  For example, if you sing along to Mr. Roboto when it comes on the radio (hint it will at least once every hour and half) that's 10% off your yogurt.  Other rules are in the works and, like with everything, Steve and the crew are taking suggestions. Lets also not forget the numerous ways that they are eco-friendly, including having fully compostable cups, biodegradable napkins which use soy ink for the printing, recyclable spoons made from vegetable starch (PSM), and they are trying to get solar panels on the roof. 

To the crew at Mr. Yogato, nothing could be cooler than 21 friends living their dream and bringing their favorite part of the West Coast to their new 17th street home in Washington, D.C.  The frozen yogurt is great and the atmosphere is even better. So, although I know it’s still new and scary, go ahead Washingtonians, try out this half-frozen sensation at this Saturday’s grand opening. And, when the fateful song from which the shop gets its name comes over the speakers, you’ll find yourself singing “domo arigato mr. yogato.”

--Nick and Arielle