In case you haven’t heard, Bali’s Frozen Yogurt has closed its doors.
Bali’s pioneered the industry in San Luis Obispo, introducing “FroYo” to a young, energetic, enthusiastic market who, no doubt, helped set the trend nationwide.
For 25 years, Bali’s was the epitome of a neighborhood business, a little quirky, a little eclectic, a little rough around the edges; in other words, a place that reflected the community, welcomed its neighbors, and never forgot where they started and who they owed their success to—the locals.
Ironically, in some ways they were the architects of their own demise, creating, over two decades, a vibrant market and loyal following that national chains now seek to dominate.
For seven years, Yogurt Creations has operated just around the corner. And for seven years, we’ve measured the mood and tenor of the “yogurt community” by observing Bali’s through their ups and downs. We learned from them, not so much about yogurt, but about the people who passed through their doors, and ours, one day in their shop, the next day in ours. And back and forth they went. Everyone who came into our shop compared us to Bali’s. Bali’s taught us how to be local, how to be human, how to be uniquely Central Coast, and for that we owe them a huge debt of gratitude.
So, Bali’s is closing. A local institution is dying.
That’s the way of the world, it seems.
Maybe that’s progress. Maybe it’s not.
Either way, we’ll miss them.
-- John Bolton - Owner, Yogurt Creations
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1010 Marsh Street • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
PHONE/805/546-8208 • FAX/805/546-8641
