Last updated on March 15th, 2018 at 10:06 am
A horde of frozen yogurt robots will begin arriving at select grocery retailers in 17 U.S. states this spring. The robots, from Reis & Irvy’s, a subsidiary franchise concept of Generation Next Franchise Brands Inc., are intended to provide a “fun and delicious experience” to shoppers, while generating additional revenue for grocery stores.
Launched in early 2016, the Reis & Irvy’s FroYo Robot vending machine serves seven different flavors of frozen yogurt, ice cream, sorbets and gelatos; offers a choice of up to six custom toppings; and dispenses the treat within 60 seconds or less at the point of sale.
“Savvy grocers recognize the value of front-of-store services like Reis & Irvy’s frozen yogurt robots, offering shoppers a unique service while saving precious floor space,” the company said in a press release.
The patented technology, manufactured by Flex Ltd., the maker of fourth-wall vending machines like RedBox, will feature frozen yogurt consumables exclusively from Dannon. Generation Next’s strategic operations partner Pitney Bowes will handle all deliveries and installation of the Reis & Irvy’s Frozen Yogurt Robots.
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Reis & Irvy’s believes the FroYo Robots are ideal for high-traffic locations like grocery stores, markets and retail shops. Deliveries and installations begin in April. As part of the initial rollout, the company anticipates shipping approximately 185 units in May and 250 units in June.
Customers can look forward to the robots making their initial appearances in these states and grocery stores:
- Alabama—Star Super Market, Huntsville
- Colorado—Hays Market, Johnstown
- Florida—Apple Market, Pensacola
- Illinois—Treasure Island, Chicago
- Kansas—Price Chopper, Overland Park
- Maryland—Richardson Farms, White Marsh
- Michigan—University Foods, E&L Supermercado, Detroit; Foster’s Market, Evart; Meijer, Rochester
- Missouri—Hy-Vee, Kansas City
- Nebraska—Hy-Vee, Papillion
- New York—Food World, Jamaica & ShopRite, Albany
- Ohio—Constantino’s Market, Cleveland
- Oregon—Grocery Outlet, Bend
- Pennsylvania—The Fresh Grocer, Philadelphia
- South Carolina—KJ’s IGA, Andrews
- Utah—Peterson’s Fresh Market, Riverton
- Vermont—Food City, St. Albans
- Wisconsin—Woodmans Food Market, Waukesha
“We are pleased to report this exciting news not only for the grocery stores receiving our patented robotic technology, but also our franchisees and our shareholders,” said Nick Yates, chairman for Generation Next Franchise Brands. “Our colleagues in the grocery business can capitalize on the new technology, generate more revenue, set themselves apart from their competition while boosting additional traffic and sales. The Reis & Irvy’s Frozen Yogurt robots will help drive excitement back to their store while continuing to improve the customer experience.”
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