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New Frozen Yogurt Shop Heats Up Highland Street

Over the past few years, frozen yogurt has become a hot commodity in major cities around the country! With national franchises like Pinkberry, Red Mango and Yolato popping up all over the country, consumers are warming up to this delicious frozen treat so it was just a matter of time before it made its appearance in Worcester. And the consumer following has been cult-like within the short few weeks it’s been introduced.

WooBerry Frozen Yogurt, the brainchild of Ted Domville opened on Highland Street, across from Sole Proprietor, late August to rave reviews and big crowds. The day WorcesterScene visited, the line was 25 to 35 people deep the entire time we were there. Groups of college-aged kids, retired couples and young families all anxiously waited their turn to make a selection from the enormous and every-changing chalkboard menu of toppings and daily frozen yogurt flavors.

The Brain Child, Ted Domville, Behind WooBerry Frozen Yogurt

The concept is simple: choose your yogurt flavor from one of the four “made-daily”, kosher and gluten-free featured flavors, then choose as many toppings as you want. The first topping is $.75 and the next ones are $.50. At WooBerry, there is always one free topping every day and jimmies (or “sprinkles” for non New Englanders) are always free. Choosing your topping will not be easy as there are as many as 60 different choices ranging from traditional strawberries, blueberries, peaches, peanut butter cups, nuts, chocolate chips to interesting choices like Dr. Gonzo’s Gummy Bites! WooBerry sources many of its ingredients locally, and believe it or not, makes all its whip cream by hand.

WooBerry has a relaxed yet contemporary feel and it is exactly what Domville wanted. He searched in and around Worcester for the right location, looking for a space where he could create a comfortable, neighborhood shop. When he found the space on Highland Street, he transformed it with brightly colored walls and exposed brick. Choose to sit up front at a table with friends, or hangout in the back on a couch and relax. WooBerry has wi-fi to help you extend your stay.

The staff at WooBerry goes through an extensive 2-day training regiment where they learn all about yogurt and where they are encouraged to try all the flavors and toppings. Want a cup of coffee or a sandwich instead? “Sorry,” says Domville, “We are focused on being the best yogurt shop in the region. There are plenty of great places to eat or have coffee, so enjoy them and when you want yogurt, come back to WooBerry,” he says.

So try WooBerry Frozen Yogurt on Highland Street. We are sure you will love it!

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Who Picks The Wines?

Katie Kelly the Wine Director of The Citizen in Exchange Place in Worcester.
Katie Kelly the Wine Director of The Citizen in Exchange Place in Worcester.

There is little doubt that the most glamorous job in a bar is the bartender. As the “front man” for the establishment, the bartender is able to set the mood for the evening, while at the same time, entertaining, mixing, and helping patrons choose the right concoctions for the night. While this role is essential, lets not overlook the person who actually chooses what wine and drinks will be made available to begin with.

Niche Hospitality Group—the parent company of Mezcal Tequila Cantina, Bocado, Still & Stir, The Peoples Kitchen, and The Citizen Wine Bar— made a fantastic choice when they brought Katie Kelly on as the Wine Director in June. Coming from Ceres Bistro, Katie’s background includes a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from UMass Amherst, advanced education through a Sommelier Certification from the Guild of Master Sommeliers, and working experience at The Breakers in Palm Beach, FL.

Some of her favorite wines today are from Southern Italy and Washington State and she is excited about what is coming from both regions because of the balance of bold fruit flavors, acidity and minerality found in their wines, Katie has diversified the wine list at The Citizen Wine Bar, which now consist of 37 wines but will soon be expanded to 70 wines that include sparkling, whites, rosé, reds, and an array of dessert wines.

The Velvet Devil, a Washington State merlot avaiable at The Citizen.

As the Wine Director at The Citizen Wine Bar, Katie not only is charged with the task of selecting some of the best wines from around the world, but also keeping the list fresh. Listening to the customers is a key. “We keep wine as long as people love them and they’re the best fit for what we need,” Katie said in an August interview. “I am always looking for honest feedback about what our customers think of the list. If a wine is not working, I start looking for a better option.”

Katie is quick to point out, “The price doesn’t determine if a wine will be good.” But when choosing a wine, price, along with flavor are the two most important aspects to choosing a wine for the wine list. “I try to set a price in mind and continually taste in that price range until I find what I consider to be a great value wine,” says Katie.

Most of us are not wine connoisseurs but Worcester has many outstanding local resources to learn about wine. Wine Nation in Millbury and KJ Baarons and Julio’s of Worcester offer free tastings and have a knowledgeable staff that is ready to offer advice and suggestions. “The best way to expand your horizons and enhance your palate is to continually taste different wines,” says Katie. And one of the best places in Worcester to try some new wines is The Citizen Wine Bar in Exchange Place, including “The Velvet Devil” Washington Merlot by Charles Smith, Raymond Barrel to Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon, or La Cappuccina Soave.