Frozen Yogurt With a 'Twist'

Residents looking for an ice cream and yogurt alternative may have found their match.

YogiTwist, a self-serve frozen yogurt shop, opened its doors at 133 Main Street on Sunday. They offer an assortment of flavors and toppings, and plenty of options for the health-conscious.

"We have 18 different flavors, and every week we are going to change the flavors," said owner Avi Assis.

Those flavors include cappuccino, red velvet and cookies and cream. There are 36 toppings to choose from, including dried cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, cocoa pebbles, jelly beans and Reese's Pieces.

Assis, a real estate investor from Hewlett, said he chose the East Rockaway location for several reasons. The building was formerly Lioni's, which moved across the street and is now Francesca's.

"I just think it's a nice neighborhood," Assis said.

Assis said the self-serve aspect of the yogurt shop has proven to become very popular with customers. People are charged based on the ounces of the cup - not the flavors or toppings chosen. The cost is 49 cents per ounce.

"People like it because there are no limits - they can put it all in and decide for themselves."

The grand-opening ceremony for YogiTwist was Sunday, and Assis said the turnout was encouraging: "It was a good turnout."

YogiTwist competition includes , and , but Assis said he is just focused on doing the best he can.

"I don't see it like that, like competition, everyone is it's own business," he said.

YogiTwist hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Check out the YogiTwist website and follow them on Facebook.