YoYogurt puts the "family" back in family business...

It all began at the family kitchen table. Lots of powerful things happen at kitchen tables. Families everywhere gather around to share exceptional moments—on this day in June of 2010, a family made a choice to take a risk. And in that moment the vision of a family business that could last generations and create community was formed. And this was the beginning of YoYogurt.

The Grzecka siblings and their spouses worked tirelessly as they made preparations to open what they thought would be a 'great little family yogurt shop"...but after opening day in March of 2011, they realize they had stumbled on to so much more. People began flooding through the doors; customers were telling the staff thank you for opening in our neighborhood! Now with two locations in Colorado Springs and two more to open by the end of August 2011 business is incredible and shows no signs of slowing down.

The family, who has always been close (sharing brunch each Sunday for years), says the business has brought them even closer together. Working through challenges and joys as a cohesive group has taught them more about each other and themselves.

The eldest sibling, Liz Johnson, is General Manager at the initial location at Stetson Hills and Powers, while her husband, Royce Johnson, takes on responsibilities as CEO at the newly formed corporate office. Liz, homeschooling mom of 5 children is no stranger to multi-tasking as she has owned her own salon out of her home for many years. Royce was deployed when the first YoYogurt shop opened and returned from Afghanistan as the proud owner of a thriving business he had not yet set foot in!

The middle Grzecka sibling, Nic Grzecka, holds the post of CFO for the corporation. Nic's experience in business and finance through his real estate profession serves as a base for all the new tasks demanded from the Chief Financial Officer of a rapidly growing small business.

And the youngest sister, Amanda Ralston serves as Assistant General Manager at the second store location in the Briargate area at Research and Union. Her husband, Pat Ralston holds the position as General Manager at the shop. Pat worked in retail for many years and Amanda recently left her role as a school teacher to pursue the family dream.

One of the next shops to open will be managed by the mother of the three children, Teresa Grzecka and her partner Holger. Both leaving their previous jobs to join the family venture.

It hasn't been easy; they all will tell you. Having only pennies in the business account from the first day they opened the doors with crossed-fingers, to learning how to manage a thriving multiple-location corporation. They've been through it all and they'll continue to go through highs and lows as a true "family business"...all together.

-Lindsay Yochum

More about YoYogurt and the family at www.yoyogurtusa.com and www.facebook.com/yoyogurtstetsonhills