Special Report
The Most Iconic Frozen Treats in Each State
Published:
Americans are becoming increasingly health conscious, yet frozen treats are more popular than ever and frozen dessert chains are increasing the number of their locations. Healthier than ice cream, frozen yogurt, in particular, has rebounded from a decline in the 90s to an incredible boom over the last decade.
In all, there are more than 15,000 frozen yogurt and ice cream chain locations across the country. There are massive chains such as Dairy Queen, TCBY, and Cold Stone Creamery with storefronts in nearly every state, and then there are more localized frozen dessert companies, such as Bahama Bucks, which has 50 of its 67 locations in Texas. 24/7 Wall St. analyzed the concentration of some of the country’s most popular yogurt and ice cream chains to identify the most iconic frozen dessert store in each state.
Click here to see the most iconic frozen treats in each state.
The most popular chain in each state is not necessarily the most iconic one. For example, there are 644 Baskin Robbins in California, which is by far the most of any frozen yogurt or ice cream stand in the state. Per capita, that comes to 1.7 locations per 100,000 California residents. While that is high compared to the national rate of Baskin Robbins per capita, there are more uniquely concentrated chains in the state. There are 168 Yogurtlands in the state, which represents 63.2% of all the locations of that chain in the country. Nationally, there are 0.08 Yogurtland locations per 100,000 people. In California, the rate is more than five times the national figure. This is why Yogurtland is the most iconic ice cream or frozen yogurt brand in the state.
In some cases, even the smaller national chains can be iconic in a particular state, when the concentration is high enough. For example, there are nearly 500 Ben & Jerry’s locations nationwide. In Vermont, where the company was founded, there are roughly two locations per every 100,000 people, which is over 13 times the national per capita concentration.
To determine the most iconic frozen yogurt and ice cream chains in each state, 24/7 Wall St. compiled a list of 26 restaurants that serve frozen treats. We did not consider restaurants that primarily serve food in addition to ice cream or frozen yogurt, nor did we include chains with fewer than 30 locations. Our list is not exhaustive, as it likely does not capture smaller regional chains. Next, we calculated the number of each chain locations per 100,000 residents in each state to account for size differences among states. We divided the population-adjusted concentration of restaurants in each state by the national concentration of the same restaurant. This gave us a location quotient for each restaurant, or the state’s concentration of each restaurant relative to the nation. The chain with the highest location quotient in each state was determined to be the most iconic. If the restaurant with the highest location quotient had fewer than five locations in the state, we used the second highest location quotient.
These are the most iconic frozen treats in each state.
1. Alabama
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Yogurt Mountain
> No. of Yogurt Mountain in state: 9
> No. of Yogurt Mountain in nation: 42
> Pct. of all Yogurt Mountain in state: 21.4%
With its first location opening in 2009, Yogurt Mountain is now the most iconic frozen yogurt dispensary in four states — including Alabama. Out of Yogurt Mountain’s 42 total U.S. locations, nine are in Alabama. There are 14 times more Yogurt Mountain locations per person in Alabama than there are on average across the United States.
2. Alaska
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Cold Stone Creamery
> No. of Cold Stone Creameries in state: 10
> No. of Cold Stone Creameries in nation: 1,716
> Pct. of all Coldstone in state: 0.6%
Alaska is one of the least populated states, and the cold climate may discourage frequent ice cream consumption. Still, a number of frozen treat options are available to Alaska residents. Cold Stone Creameries were the most common, with 10 locations. The ice cream store, with its distinctive frozen granite slab, now has hundreds of co-branded locations with coffee shop Tim Horton’s.
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3. Arizona
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: U-Swirl
> No. of U-Swirl in state: 5
> No. of U-Swirl in nation: 38
> Pct. of all U-Swirl in state: 13.2%
The notoriously hot Arizona climate is perhaps an ideal market for purveyors of frozen treats. U-Swirl capitalized on this demand across the state more than any other cold dessert shop. U-Swirl boasts more than 20 flavors and over 60 toppings for customers looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. Most U-Swirls were located in the Phoenix area.
4. Arkansas
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: TCBY
> No. of TCBY in state: 17
> No. of TCBY in nation: 1,047
> Pct. of all TCBY in state: 1.6%
With its first location opening in 1981, TCBY is now the most iconic frozen yogurt purveyor in five states, including Arkansas, where it was founded. TCBY is an acronym for The Country’s Best Yogurt and offers a wide variety of flavors for customers to choose from.
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5. California
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Yogurtland
> No. of Yogurtland in state: 168
> No. of Yogurtland in nation: 266
> Pct. of all Yogurtland in state: 63.2%
Though the franchise has locations all over the country, including Alaska and Hawaii, 63.2% of all American Yogurtland stores are located in California. Yogurtland caters to food-conscious Americans by emphasising its use of “real” milk without antibiotics or added hormones.
6. Colorado
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Cold Stone Creamery
> No. of Cold Stone Creameries in state: 50
> No. of Cold Stone Creameries in nation: 1,716
> Pct. of all Coldstone in state: 2.9%
Cold Stone Creamery is the most iconic frozen treat destination in Colorado. With over 1,700 locations, Cold Stone is also the second largest purveyor of frozen desserts in the country. Colorado is home to 50 Cold Stone Creameries.
7. Connecticut
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: FroyoWorld
> No. of FroyoWorld in state: 36
> No. of FroyoWorld in nation: 54
> Pct. of all FroyoWorld in state: 66.7%
With 36 stores, more than two-thirds of the 54 FroyoWorld dispensaries nationwide are located in Connecticut. The first FroyoWorld opened on Yale University’s campus in 2010. The company claims to be the No.1 frozen yogurt company in New England. By our measure, it is the most iconic frozen dessert chain in Connecticut and two other New England states, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
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8. Delaware
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Rita’s
> No. of Rita’s in state: 19
> No. of Rita’s in nation: 610
> Pct. of all Rita’s in state: 3.1%
With 19 locations across the state, Rita’s is the most iconic purveyor of frozen treats in Delaware. Its first location opened in 1984 in a small Pennsylvania town outside of Philadelphia. Three years later, three more locations were open in Philadelphia. Italian ice, a non-dairy, sorbet-like frozen dessert, is the primary menu item at Rita’s. Today, Rita’s sells frozen ice cream and custard in 610 locations across the country.
9. Florida
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Yogurt Mountain
> No. of Yogurt Mountain in state: 11
> No. of Yogurt Mountain in nation: 42
> Pct. of all Yogurt Mountain in state: 26.2%
With its first location opening just six years ago, Yogurt Mountain is now the most iconic frozen treat dispensary in four states — including Florida. Florida is home to over a quarter of all Yogurt Mountain locations. Customers can join the company’s YOMO Club and enjoy free frozen yogurt on their birthday.
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10. Georgia
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Bruster’s
> No. of Bruster’s in state: 62
> No. of Bruster’s in nation: 182
> Pct. of all Bruster’s in state: 34.1%
Bruster’s proclaims itself to be a scoop above the rest, and in Georgia it just might be. With over a third of all of its locations in Georgia, Bruster’s is the most iconic purveyor of frozen desserts in the state. There are over 10 times more Bruster’s stores per capita in Georgia than there are on average in America as a whole.
11. Hawaii
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Haagen Dazs
> No. of Haagen Dazs in state: 6
> No. of Haagen Dazs in nation: 277
> Pct. of all Haagen Dazs in state: 2.2%
Haagen Dazs is a self-proclaimed gourmet ice cream brand that can be found in most grocery stores by the pint, but the iconic brand also has more than 270 locations around the country where ice cream lovers can grab a cone of their favorite flavor. There are nearly five times as many Haagen Dazs locations per capita in Hawaii than there are in the US. Hawaii also has the highest concentration of Haagen Dazs locations of all states.
12. Idaho
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Hokulia
> No. of Hokulia in state: 6
> No. of Hokulia in nation: 52
> Pct. of all Hokulia in state: 11.5%
While Hawaiian-themed shaved ice purveyor may have first opened in Utah, it has expanded and become the most iconic frozen dessert dispensary in Idaho. First opening just seven years ago, Hokulia now has over 50 locations across 10 states. Idaho is home to six Hokulia locations.
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13. Illinois
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Yogen Fruz
> No. of Yogen Fruz in state: 11
> No. of Yogen Fruz in nation: 54
> Pct. of all Yogen Fruz in state: 20.4%
Frozen yogurt and smoothie shop Yogen Fruz was founded in Toronto, Canada in 1986. It expanded to become a truly global brand with more than 1,400 locations around the world, including the United States. There are 54 Yogen Fruz locations in the country, and 11 of them are in Illinois.
14. Indiana
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Graeter’s
> No. of Graeter’s in state: 5
> No. of Graeter’s in nation: 51
> Pct. of all Graeter’s in state: 9.8%
About one-tenth of all Cincinnati-based Graeter’s ice cream shops are located in Indiana, where it is the most iconic frozen treat store. The nationwide presence of Graeter’s is small compared to iconic dessert shops in other states. The company claims to produce hand-crafted ice cream and gelatos in small batches using an artisanal method.
15. Iowa
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Orange Leaf
> No. of Orange Leaf in state: 12
> No. of Orange Leaf in nation: 313
> Pct. of all Orange Leaf in state: 3.8%
With 313 locations across the country, Orange Leaf is one of America’s most popular frozen yogurt chains. Along with the quality of its frozen yogurt, the company playfully touts the versatility of its iconic orange spoon, that is designed for “faster froyo delivery” and can double as a paddle or a catapult. With 12 locations across Iowa, Orange Leaf is the most iconic destination for frozen treats in the state.
16. Kansas
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Orange Leaf
> No. of Orange Leaf in state: 10
> No. of Orange Leaf in nation: 313
> Pct. of all Orange Leaf in state: 3.2%
Kansas is one of six states where Orange Leaf is the most iconic peddler of frozen desserts. There are over three times more Orange Leaf locations per capita in Kansas than there are in the United States. Like most other frozen yogurt dispensaries, Orange Leaf offers its customers a variety of yogurt flavors to choose from and a toppings bar that includes sliced fruit and chopped candy.
17. Kentucky
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Graeter’s
> No. of Graeter’s in state: 11
> No. of Graeter’s in nation: 51
> Pct. of all Graeter’s in state: 21.6%
About one-tenth of all of Cincinnati-based Graeter’s ice cream shops are located in Kentucky, where it is the most iconic frozen treat store. The presence of Graeter’s nationwide is small compared to iconic dessert shops in other states. The company claims to produce hand-crafted ice cream and gelatos in small batches using an artisanal method.
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18. Louisiana
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Pinkberry
> No. of Pinkberry in state: 5
> No. of Pinkberry in nation: 117
> Pct. of all Pinkberry in state: 4.3%
Pinkberry opened its first store in Los Angeles a decade ago. Today, there are 117 locations nationwide — five of them in Louisiana, where it is the most iconic destination for frozen yogurt. The company claims to have “reignited” interest in the frozen dessert by using real, slightly tart yogurt and fresh fruit, though it now also offers dairy-free options. This summer, Pinkberry rolled out an online delivery service, though this system has not yet reached Louisiana.
19. Maine
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Ben & Jerry’s
> No. of Ben & Jerry’s in state: 5
> No. of Ben & Jerry’s in nation: 495
> Pct. of all Ben & Jerry’s in state: 1.0%
Based in Waterbury, Vermont, Ben & Jerry’s is among the most well known ice cream brands in the United States. Consumer goods behemoth Unilever purchased Ben & Jerry’s in 2000 and has aimed to preserve the company’s reputation for social consciousness and home-grown culture with annual philanthropy goals. In addition to five locations in Maine, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is available in 33 countries.
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20. Maryland
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Rita’s
> No. of Rita’s in state: 71
> No. of Rita’s in nation: 610
> Pct. of all Rita’s in state: 11.6%
Rita’s opened its first store in a small Pennsylvania town in 1986, so it’s not surprising that it is still the most iconic frozen treat destination in neighboring Maryland, where Rita’s now has 71 locations. Italian ice, a non-dairy, sorbet-like frozen dessert, is the primary menu item at Rita’s. Today, Rita’s sells frozen ice cream and custard in 610 locations across the country.
21. Massachusetts
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: FroyoWorld
> No. of FroyoWorld in state: 10
> No. of Froyo World in nation: 54
> Pct. of all FroyoWorld in state: 18.5%
With 10 locations, 18.5% of the 54 FroyoWorld locations nationwide are in Massachusetts. The first FroyoWorld opened on Yale University’s campus, Connecticut in 2010, and the company claims to be the number one frozen yogurt in New England. By our measure, it is the most iconic frozen dessert chain in Massachusetts, where it is headquartered, and two other New England states.
22. Michigan
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Orange Leaf
> No. of Orange Leaf in state: 13
> No. of Orange Leaf in nation: 313
> Pct. of all Orange Leaf in state: 4.2%
With 13 locations statewide, Orange Leaf is the most iconic frozen treat purveyor in Michigan. Orange Leaf rewards its customers with the Ounce Back program. Card carrying members earn a point for every dollar spent at the store. Customers can redeem 10 points for a dollar off their next Orange Leaf purchase.
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23. Minnesota
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Dairy Queen
> No. of Dairy Queen in state: 284
> No. of Dairy Queen in nation: 5,695
> Pct. of all Dairy Queen in state: 5.0%
Dairy Queen is the most iconic frozen treat chain in Minnesota, where it is headquartered. Founded as a small, all-you-can-eat store in Illinois, Dairy Queen now has locations across the country, including 284 in Minnesota. One of the most noteworthy location is in downtown Moorhead. The store operates under a contract signed in 1949 that allows it to offer its own unique creations, in defiance of more recent corporate-mandated standardization. The unique creations include the Mr. Malty, a chocolate malt on a stick; and the Monkey Tail, a chocolate-covered frozen banana. Locals are very loyal to their rogue Dairy Queen. Two years ago, at least 1,200 customers showed up when the store reopened for the season on March 1.
24. Mississippi
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Dippin’ Dots
> No. of Dippin’ Dots in state: 5
> No. of Dippin’ Dots in nation: 310
> Pct. of all Dippin’ Dots in state: 1.6%
Of all the iconic frozen yogurt and ice cream places on this list, Dippin Dots may be the most unique. The brand has made a name for itself by selling freeze-dried ice cream, similar to what astronauts would take to space. It is a common feature at fairs, carnivals, and sporting events. Since it got its start in 1988, the ice cream has grown in popularity, and there are now more than 300 in the United States. No frozen yogurt or ice cream chain has a particularly high concentration in the state, but the five Dippin’ Dots locations make it the most iconic in Mississippi.
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25. Missouri
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Orange Leaf
> No. of Orange Leaf in state: 16
> No. of Orange Leaf in nation: 313
> Pct. of all Orange Leaf in state: 5.1%
With 16 Orange Leaf locations, Missouri is home to just over 5% of all of the chain’s stores in the country. According to the company’s website, a 17th location is on its way in East Springfield.
26. Montana
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Dairy Queen
> No. of Dairy Queen in state: 50
> No. of Dairy Queen in nation: 5,695
> Pct. of all Dairy Queen in state: 0.9%
Starting in the late 1930s with a small, all-you-can-eat ice cream store in Joliet, Illinois, Dairy Queen has grown to become one of the country’s largest purveyors of frozen treats with over 6,000 locations. With 50 locations in Montana, Dairy Queen accounts for one third of all the chain ice cream and frozen yogurt dispensaries in the state.
27. Nebraska
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: TCBY
> No. of TCBY in state: 14
> No. of TCBY in nation: 1,047
> Pct. of all TCBY in state: 1.3%
With its first location opening in Arkansas in 1981, TCBY is now has over twice as many locations per capita in Nebraska than it does on average across the United States. While TCBY’s claim to be The Country’s Best Yogurt is difficult to substantiate, it is certainly the most iconic frozen yogurt vendor in Nebraska.
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28. Nevada
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: U-Swirl
> No. of U-Swirl in state: 9
> No. of U-Swirl in nation: 38
> Pct. of all U-Swirl in state: 23.7%
U-Swirl presents itself as a place where people of all ages can indulge without going overboard. The frozen yogurt chain prides itself for its healthy choices, including low-fat and sugar-free options. Compared to some of the iconic frozen treat brands, U-Swirl is a relatively localized chain. Twenty-three of the company’s 38 U.S. locations are located in the Southwest, including nine in Nevada.
29. New Hampshire
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Orange Leaf
> No. of Orange Leaf in state: 13
> No. of Orange Leaf in nation: 313
> Pct. of all Orange Leaf in state: 4.2%
While FroyoWorld is the most iconic frozen treat in half of the New England states, New Hampshire is is not one of them. Instead, Orange Leaf is its most iconic purveyor of frozen desserts. Orange Leaf offers a selection of frozen yogurt flavors and a variety of toppings using the chain’s iconic orange spoon. Customers can also earn points and save with the Ounce Back reward program.
30. New Jersey
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: 16 Handles
> No. of 16 Handles in state: 9
> No. of 16 Handles in nation: 43
> Pct. of all 16 Handles in state: 20.9%
The most iconic frozen yogurt brand in New Jersey, 16 Handles, offers 16 flavors — or “handles” — of self-serve frozen yogurt at any given time and dozens of toppings, from fresh fruits to brownie bits. California native, founder Solomon Choi, thought the West Coast market for frozen yogurt was too saturated, so he headed east to launch his company in New York City. There are currently nine 16 Handles locations in New Jersey, a state that apparently likes its frozen treats, ranking eighth in the nation for the total number of frozen dessert purveyors.
31. New Mexico
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Rita’s
> No. of Rita’s in state: 7
> No. of Rita’s in nation: 610
> Pct. of all Rita’s in state: 1.1%
Although it is primarily an East Coast chain, Rita’s plans to make an aggressive push into the Southwest over the next few years. Already the most iconic frozen dessert purveyor in New Mexico, with seven locations in the state, the company hopes to open a whopping 66 additional stores in New Mexico and Colorado. The first Albuquerque location opened this spring.
32. New York
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: 16 Handles
> No. of 16 Handles in state: 27
> No. of 16 Handles in nation: 43
> Pct. of all 16 Handles in state: 62.8%
Founded as recently as 2008, 16 Handles was the first self-serve frozen yogurt shop in New York and has inspired many imitators. (The company’s name was itself inspired by “16 Candles,” one of founder Solomon Choi’s favorite movies.) It is the most iconic frozen treat in its home state, with 27 locations. And New Yorkers like frozen treats, ranking fourth nationally for the total number of cold dessert spots. 16 Handles fans create their own treats, choosing from a rotating roster of 16 frozen yogurt flavors and more than 40 toppings and pay by weight. The company has expanded nationally to 43 stores, and last year announced plans to open 150 locations in the Middle East.
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33. North Carolina
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: sweetFrog
> No. of sweetFrog in state: 48
> No. of Sweet Frog in nation: 342
> Pct. of all Sweet Frog in state: 14.0%
SweetFrog began selling its frozen yogurt in Virginia in 2009 and it has become the most iconic frozen dessert brand in neighboring North Carolina, as well. SweetFrog offers its customers a variety of fruit and candy toppings for their frozen treats. According to the company’s website, the Frog in its name stands for Fully Rely On God.
34. North Dakota
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: TCBY
> No. of TCBY in state: 11
> No. of TCBY in nation: 1,047
> Pct. of all TCBY in state: 1.1%
With its first location opening in Arkansas in 1981, TCBY now has the highest relative concentrations compared to other frozen yogurt purveyors in five states. North Dakota is among the five TCBY-loving states, despite the fact its 11 TCBY stores make up just 1.1% of the national store count.
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35. Ohio
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Graeter’s
> No. of Graeter’s in state: 33
> No. of Graeter’s in nation: 51
> Pct. of all Graeter’s in state: 64.7%
Over half of all of Cincinnati-based Graeter’s ice cream shops are located in Ohio, where it is the most iconic frozen treat chain. The presence of Graeter’s nationwide is small compared to iconic dessert shops in other states. The company claims to produce hand-crafted ice cream and gelatos in small batches using an artisanal method.
36. Oklahoma
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Orange Leaf
> No. of Orange Leaf in state: 11
> No. of Orange Leaf in nation: 313
> Pct. of all Orange Leaf in state: 3.5%
With 11 of its 313 total stores located in Oklahoma, Orange Leaf is the most iconic frozen treat chain in the state. Orange Leaf offers a selection of frozen yogurt flavors and a variety of toppings — as well as the chain’s iconic orange spoon. Customers can also earn points and save with the Ounce Back reward program.
37. Oregon
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Ben & Jerry’s
> No. of Ben & Jerry’s in state: 10
> No. of Ben & Jerry’s in nation: 495
> Pct. of all Ben & Jerry’s in state: 2.0%
Ben & Jerry’s is headquartered in Burlington, Vermont, but its main production facility is in Waterbury, Vermont. Consumer goods behemoth Unilever purchased Ben & Jerry’s in 2000 and has aimed to preserve the company’s reputation for social consciousness and home-grown culture with annual philanthropy goals. In addition to its 10 locations in Oregon, where the dessert shop is more concentrated than any other frozen treat store in the state, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is available in 33 countries.
38. Pennsylvania
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Rita’s
> No. of Rita’s in state: 199
> No. of Rita’s in nation: 610
> Pct. of all Rita’s in state: 32.6%
More than 30 years ago, former firefighter Bob Tumolo began selling Italian ices from his porch in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, a small town outside of Philadelphia. He named his business after his wife, Rita. The ices attracted a loyal following and soon Tumolo expanded, opening stores in the Philadelphia area. Today, Rita’s is more popular than ever and has spread across the country. But its most loyal fan-base is still in its home state of Pennsylvania. Almost one-third of the Rita’s nationwide locations are found in the state. And Pennsylvania residents clearly like their cool treats. The state ranks seventh in the country for the total number of frozen dessert locations.
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39. Rhode Island
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: FroyoWorld
> No. of FroyoWorld in state: 6
> No. of Froyo World in nation: 54
> Pct. of all FroyoWorld in state: 11.1%
With six locations, more than one in 10 FroyoWorld locations nationwide are in Rhode Island. The first FroyoWorld opened on Yale University’s campus, in New Haven Connecticut in 2010, and the company claims to be the No.1 frozen yogurt in New England. By our measure, it is the most iconic frozen dessert chain in Rhode Island and two other New England states, including its home state, Connecticut.
40. South Carolina
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Yogurt Mountain
> No. of Yogurt Mountain in state: 5
> No. of Yogurt Mountain in nation: 42
> Pct. of all Yogurt Mountain in state: 11.9%
With its first location opening in 2009, Yogurt Mountain is now the most iconic frozen treat dispensary in four states — including South Carolina. South Carolina is home to five of Yogurt Mountain’s 42 nationwide locations. Yogurt Mountain dubs itself the ultimate self-serve frozen dessert experience.
41. South Dakota
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: TCBY
> No. of TCBY in state: 23
> No. of TCBY in nation: 1,047
> Pct. of all TCBY in state: 2.2%
With its first location opening in Arkansas in 1981, TCBY is now the most iconic frozen yogurt purveyor in five states, including South Dakota. With over 1,000 locations nationwide, TCBY is one of the nation’s largest sellers of frozen yogurt. Size alone, however, is not enough to prove its claim to be The Country’s Best Yogurt.
42. Tennessee
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Yogurt Mountain
> No. of Yogurt Mountain in state: 5
> No. of Yogurt Mountain in nation: 42
> Pct. of all Yogurt Mountain in state: 11.9%
With its first location opening just six years ago, Yogurt Mountain is now the most iconic frozen treat dispensary in four states — including Tennessee. Tennessee is home to over a one-tenth of all Yogurt Mountain locations. Yogurt Mountain dubs itself the ultimate self-serve frozen dessert experience.
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43. Texas
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Bahama Buck’s
> No. of Bahama Buck’s in state: 50
> No. of Bahama Buck’s in nation: 67
> Pct. of all Bahama Buck’s in state: 74.6%
The Bahama Island-themed purveyor of frozen drinks is the most iconic frozen dessert destination in the Lone Star State. Nearly three-quarters of all Bahama Buck’s stores are located in Texas. With nearly 70 locations across the country, Bahama Buck’s has many more store openings in the works.
44. Utah
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Hokulia
> No. of Hokulia in state: 27
> No. of Hokulia in nation: 52
> Pct. of all Hokulia in state: 51.9%
With the first Hokulia shave ice shack opening in Utah in 2008, this purveyor of frozen treats has franchised its name and expanded rapidly over the last seven years. More than half of all Hokulia stores are located in Utah, making it the most iconic frozen treat dispensary in the state. Interestingly, while the Hokulia chain is Hawaiian themed, none of its 52 stores are actually in Hawaii.
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45. Vermont
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Ben & Jerry’s
> No. of Ben & Jerry’s in state: 13
> No. of Ben & Jerry’s in nation: 495
> Pct. of all Ben & Jerry’s in state: 2.6%
Ben & Jerry’s was founded in Burlington, Vermont, and its main production facility is in Waterbury, Vermont. The state is home to 13 of the chain’s locations, or about 2.6% of all Ben & Jerry’s nationwide. Consumer goods behemoth Unilever purchased Ben & Jerry’s in 2000 and has aimed to preserve the company’s reputation for social consciousness and home-grown culture with annual philanthropy goals. Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is available in 33 countries.
46. Virginia
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: sweetFrog
> No. of sweetFrog in state: 88
> No. of Sweet Frog in nation: 342
> Pct. of all Sweet Frog in state: 25.7%
SweetFrog began selling its own brand of frozen yogurt in 2009 in Richmond, Virginia, and it is still today the state’s most iconic frozen treat destination. SweetFrog offers offers its customers a variety of fruit and candy toppings for their frozen treats. According to the company’s website, the Frog in its name stands for Fully Rely On God.
47. Washington
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: SubZero
> No. of SubZero in state: 5
> No. of SubZero in nation: 48
> Pct. of all SubZero in state: 10.4%
Over a tenth of all SubZero stores are located in Washington. Though the chain has locations in 17 states, Washington is the only state where it can be called the most iconic chain. According to the company’s website, the ice cream’s dense consistency is what makes it unique and special.
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48. West Virginia
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: sweetFrog
> No. of sweetFrog in state: 8
> No. of Sweet Frog in nation: 342
> Pct. of all Sweet Frog in state: 2.3%
Founded in neighboring Virginia in 2009, sweetFrog is also the top frozen dessert destination in West Virginia. SweetFrog offers its customers a variety of fruit and candy toppings for their frozen treats. According to the company’s website, the Frog in its name stands for Fully Rely On God.
49. Wisconsin
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: Dairy Queen
> No. of Dairy Queen in state: 176
> No. of Dairy Queen in nation: 5,695
> Pct. of all Dairy Queen in state: 3.1%
Founded in the late 1930s as a small father-son business in Green River, Illinois, Dairy Queen is today owned by Berkshire Hathaway and has grown to 6,000 locations worldwide. The company started by selling a frozen soft-serve dessert but is perhaps best-known today for its Blizzard, a thick milkshake blended with candy toppings. There are 176 Dairy Queen locations in Wisconsin, the state’s most iconic frozen treat chain, but some of them are open just seasonally.
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50. Wyoming
> Most iconic Fro-Yo/Ice Cream in state: TCBY
> No. of TCBY in state: 5
> No. of TCBY in nation: 1,047
> Pct. of all TCBY in state: 0.5%
With its first location opening in Arkansas in 1981, TCBY is now the most iconic frozen yogurt purveyor in five states, including Wyoming. No other frozen dessert chain in Wyoming was more concentrated compared to the rest of the country than TCBY.
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