It’s trendy, it’s healthy, it’s convenient ... and it’s now open. Moo Moo Frozen Yogurt in McMurray officially opens Sunday at 11 a.m., following a soft opening held Saturday evening where community members who stopped by got to taste for free.

Located in the heart of Peters Township, the new froyo business in McMurray Towne Centre—off of Valley Brook Road—offers a simple, self-serve experience, and myriad flavors and toppings. Owner Frank Chao said he’s very excited to be open and happy to serve the public.

“We’ve received a lot of phone calls,” he said. “Everyone is interested.”

The atmosphere is inviting and fresh—pink, white and gray adorn the walls and décor. Chao offers yogurt flavors such as Green Tea, Mango (lactose-free), Cheesecake, Lychee, Cookies & Cream, Original Tart, Pistachio, Birthday Cake—among others—including Japanese Taro, a purple root vegetable that mimics the flavor of kettle corn, Chao said. 

Customers can top their creations with fruits such as mango slices, blackberries, kiwi, grapes and strawberries, just to name a few. Additional toppings like jelly beans, Reese’s peanut butter cups, Nerds, coconut shavings, dried fruit and cheesecake bites are available—and boba.

What's boba? Translucent gummy balls—of the Tapioca family—containing fruit-flavored juices that pop when bitten. (Think: Fun for the kiddos!)

Gayle Hegarty, of Monongahela—whose daughter, Brett, is Moo Moo's manager, said she has looked forward to trying “a better alternative.”

“This is a nice treat,” Hegarty said. “It’s better than ice cream—there’s no fat. This is a great location, especially being next to Starbucks. There’s a lot of traffic.”

Hegarty said she was a fan of the Pistachio and Espresso flavors.

The yogurt is 100 percent non-fat, cholesterol-free and helps boost the immune system, according to Moo Moo McMurray’s Facebook page. More than 40 toppings—including fresh fruits and sweet treats—will be offered 24/7, as well as a constant rotation of original and exotic yogurt flavors.

Peters Township High School graduate Sara Cavolo said she’s thrilled to work at Moo Moo. 

“It’s a new place; it’s so welcoming,” she said. “You have easy access to the (Montour) trail and it’s right in the heart of the township.”

Chao has hired six employees and has two to three working simultaneous shifts. Cavolo said her favorite yogurt is Cookies & Cream, and she recommends the boba and mochi toppings.

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of glutinous rice pounded into paste and molded into shape.

“It’s really good. It sort of tastes like a donut—like a little, donut-flavored candy,” Cavolo said.

Sunday, the new business is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.—which are normal hours, except for Fridays and Saturdays when the store closes at 10 p.m.

Chao said Moo Moo offers gift cards and will host kids’ birthday parties. A grand opening ceremony is in the works, he said. He's shooting for Sunday, April 15—where he’ll be doing giveaways, including iPods.

Moo Moo Frozen Yogurt isn't a franchise—Chao's friend owns its original location in Fort Lauderdale, FL. A group of friends developed the idea and joined in on the business venture, he said. 

"Another location will be opening in the South Hills very soon," Chao said. 

For more information, visit Moo Moo's website. Be sure to like Moo Moo McMurray on Facebook for updates.

Review Moo Moo Frozen Yogurt here.

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