Phoenix-based Halo Development Group Ltd., the largest franchisee of Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt shops, has signed an agreement to develop 35 more locations in metro Phoenix.
Golden Spoon has nearly 100 stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Idaho.
Its nine metro Phoenix sites consist of two in Chandler, three in Mesa, and one each in Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Surprise and Scottsdale.
The company touts a non-fat, low-calorie premium soft-serve frozen yogurt high in calcium and protein that comes in 50 flavors.
Halo, a conglomerate of real-estate, finance and marketing executives originally from Southern California, is now scouting locations, especially in centers anchored by supermarkets or movie theaters.
Franchisees can make some good deals in this sagging economy because landlords are more willing to lower the rent or provide a higher tenant-improvement allowance, said Mario Altiery, president of the Scottsdale-based Upside Group franchise-consulting firm.
“Landlords are more apt to make a deal,” he said. “Franchisees can find prime locations at more reasonable rates.”