Meet the Grainger Market Traders: Yummie Yogurts
We talk to the woman behind Grainger Market’s new fro-yo hotspot
Yummie Yogurts owner Zeynep set up shop in Grainger Market over the summer of 2024 on a mission to bring frozen yogurt to the people of Newcastle.
In just a few months, her shop has gained a steady following thanks to its delicious sweet treats so we caught up with Zeynep to find out a little more about her business.
You’re originally from Turkey – what brought you to the North East?
My family and I moved here around 5 years ago. We heard that although the weather is pretty cold up here in the North, the people were really warm and friendly.
You recently graduated with a law degree from Northumbria University. What made you pivot from law to becoming a business owner?
I spent the last four years studying law and I wanted to challenge myself by starting a new adventure. As I was hoping to specialise in Company and Commercial Law specifically, I saw this as a great opportunity to get first-hand experience in managing a business.
We hear you’ve had your eye on Grainger Market for a while. What do you love most about the market?
Yes, I was a regular at the market during my studies. I always used to wander around the shops and imagine what it would be like to have my own dessert shop here one day (you can tell I have a sweet tooth!). I really like the warm and cosy atmosphere of the market combined with its history. There is nowhere else like it.
Why did you decide to focus on frozen yogurt?
Newcastle did not have an existing frozen yogurt shop so I wanted to bring one to the Toon. I think it is getting more and more popular due to the demand for a healthier, customisable alternative to traditional ice cream.
How has business been since opening in July?
Its been going really well! The first few days of opening were amazing - we had queues almost every day and people visiting us both young and old. We have some regulars already which is a nice feeling.
What are your most popular flavours? Do you have a favourite?
Our most popular flavours are the Original and Mango frozen yogurt. My personal favorite is Original - but I do like to mix it up with the toppings.
Your other business Garage Turkish Kitchen is a regular at the Quayside Market. How does having a brick-and-mortar space compare with having an outdoor food stall?
Garage Turkish Kitchen has been a regular at the Quayside Market for a year now and it is going really well. Having a shop in the Grainger Market is definitely more stable and less dependent on the North East weather though!
Do you have any big plans for Yummie Yogurts in the future?
I have enjoyed opening the shop so much. I definitely want it to expand and become a North East favourite. I would love to create this local brand with more branches and reach more people across the nation.
Yummie Yogurts is located in Unit 7 on Alley 1 in Grainger Market and is open from Monday to Saturday between 11am and 4:30pm. For more information, check out Yummie Yogurts on Instagram.
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