A cool eatery has come out of hibernation in time for summer.
Spoons Frozen Yogurt shop on 125 Lucy Lane in the Coyner Park Shopping Center across from Walmart reopened in mid-May after shutting down for the winter months.
“It’s exciting,” said store manager Amanda Shifflett, 44, of Grottoes. “We’re hoping word of mouth spreads, and more people stop by to check us out.”
Shifflett, who recently took over as manager, said the yogurt shop is still bouncing back from being closed for so long, including hiring new staff.
One of those new employees is Damien Byrd, 19, of Grottoes.
“It’s a very upbeat environment,” he said. “I have a good time working here.”
Shifflett, who managed Cicis Pizza in Harrisonburg for a while, was hired because of her outgoing personality, said district manager Ashley Thurston, who works in the Charlottesville store.
“People love her,” said Thurston of Shifflett. “We needed the positive vibe in the store.”
Shifflett said her priority is ensuring the shop offers a pleasant environment for her staff and customers.
“I want everyone to enjoy coming here,” she said.
April Brown, 42, of Waynesboro, said the environment is one of the reasons she visits the yogurt shop.
“It’s often quiet and peaceful,” she said. “Every time I have been here, the staff has been helpful and friendly.”
Lisa Kelly, 49, of Staunton, agreed.
“The staff is always welcoming,” she said.
At Spoons, you’ll find an array of frozen yogurt, traditional soft-serve ice cream, and unique non-dairy Dole Whip. a soft-serve frozen dessert that is easily the most popular snack among Disney fans who visit Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
“We have something for everyone,” Shifflett said.
Kelly said she enjoys the variety.
“There is so much to choose from when it comes to toppings,” she said.
Brown said she enjoys Spoons because she’s able to serve herself.
“It’s nice having the freedom to get what I want how I want it without explaining it to someone,” she said.
The shop has added boba lemonade and milk tea to its menu this summer.
Spoons opened in June 2023 when owner Jon Templeton of Roanoke decided to expand after successfully launching the first Spoons shop in Roanoke three years ago. Spoons has expanded its reach to Christiansburg and Charlottesville.
Spoons is open seven days a week from 2 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 2 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
And this year, the goal is to not close during the winter.
“We want to stay open year-round,” Thurston said. “That’s our goal.”
