The yogurt café's parent company, U-SWIRL International Inc., has signed an area development agreement with Las Vegas, NV-based AV LLC to own and operate the stores. AV LLC was formed by Maurice Vargas, D.D.S., owner of several dental clinics in Las Vegas, specifically to franchise U-SWIRL cafes in key markets in the southwestern U.S.

"As I was leaving my practice one night this past winter after working late to finish up some administrative duties, I was astounded by the number of people lined up outside a nearby U-SWIRL café," Vargas says, adding that he knew immediately that he needed to learn more about the franchise.

U-SWIRL offers as many as 20 non-fat flavors including tart, traditional and no sugar-added options and up to 70 toppings including seasonal fresh fruit, sauces, candy and granola. Guests serve themselves and pay by the ounce instead of by the cup size.

AV LLC currently is scouting commercial real estate locations throughout Tucson. Rico Conte, president of franchise development for U-SWIRL International, tells GlobeSt. that the yogurt cafés require 1,800 to 2,400 square feet with additional patio seating.

"We look for high visibility, end-cap locations," Conte says, adding that the stores are suited to both grocery-anchored centers and power centers.

In addition to Tucson, U-SWIRL International has signed franchise and area development agreements to develop U-SWIRL frozen yogurt cafes in Reno, NV; Phoenix; and Monmouth County, N.J. The company also owns and operates six corporate-owned cafés in the Las Vegas market. U-SWIRL International Inc. is wholly-owned subsidiary of Healthy Fast Food Inc.