tasti D-lite blog

The following is an interview with Lindsay Held who was recently honored by the International Franchise Association with a 2008 Franchisee of the Year Award.  His Tasti D-Lite centers are located in Manhattan on 3rd Ave/71st St. and Broadway/47th St.  Congratulations Lindsay.

1. You recently received the International Franchising Association’s 2008 Franchisee of the Year Award.  What was the recognition based on?

    I believe that the honor was based on my hard work and commitment to the Tasti brand — and ultimately, the success of my Centers, including meeting the high standards that Tasti D-Lite has set for customer experience, and, of course, delivering the best tasting “good-for-you” frozen dessert on the market.

2. How did it feel to receive such a prestigious industry award?

It was a great honor, especially since it was given by the Tasti D-Lite company that has a corporate management and ownership team that includes incredibly accomplished and successful individuals. 
When I began with Tasti D-Lite five years ago, I put my life savings into my dream of owning Tasti stores.  I was relying on the unrivaled quality and taste of the product.  When I converted my stores into franchised Centers, I was relying on the professional management and brand expertise of the Tasti D-Lite franchise management — and I have not been disappointed.

3.  With the Tasti D-Lite franchise system supporting you, what are your future plans?

My plans are to open up at least four new Centers in New York City, and then hopefully continue to grow by purchase territories outside of New York.

4. There seems to be a lot of buzz these days about Tasti D-lite and their new image.  Can you tell us what the company did and how it has impacted your business?

The company and its ownership and management team have not only created a refreshed internal culture that has invigorated franchisees that were former licensed store owners but also has led a refreshed branding of the physical look of stores and a re-newed commitment to customer service, all of which have given Tasti customers — both old and new — an even greater reason to make Tasti D-Lite their guilt-free treat.  The fact of the matter is that Tasti D-Lite customers have been incredibly loyal — there is a reason why the everyone from average New Yorkers to actors and actresses and other entertainment industry people have been fanatics for Tasti D-Lite.  The image refreshing/rebranding effort is a way for Tasti D-Lite to ensure that we are giving back to our loyal customers every day in not only serving the best product possible but also proving a fun, cool atmosphere.  The effort has received great response from customers and has had a significant positive impact on my Tasti Centers.

5. What advice would you give to other franchisees related to running a successful business?

My primary advice would be to know your customer and to think like a customer.  Several years ago, I implemented delivery and later hours.  I did so because when I was a Tasti D-Lite customer for 10 years prior to opening a store, I craved those things.  Similarly, it is easy to get used to seeing your store in the same way each time you step inside.  Little details naturally get blurred — it is difficult to see your store as a customer may see it.  You need to constantly play devil’s advocate with yourself to find ways not only to maintain your customer service and product quality but also to find ways constantly to improve your customer’s experience.  Secondly, my suggestion is to try to give back to your loyal customers.  My Centers have specials each day ranging from free toppings to price discounts.  Also, we are currently giving customers $5 extra on $20 gift cards.  I think my customers appreciate are loyalty promotions, just as I appreciate my customers.

6. What have you found most rewarding about being a franchisee and business owner?

It sounds corny, but I love being able to run a business that makes people happy. I have two daughters, and they love coming to my Tasti Centers, just as thousands of families love coming to Tasti D-Lite.

The information age has brought us Google alerts, stock alerts, weather and traffic alerts as well as numerous other time sensitive notifications, warnings or important updates.   While all of these are designed to somehow enhance or make life easier, at Tasti D-Lite we just want to make your day better.

How about a text or email notification when your favorite guilt-free indulgence is on tap at your local Tasti D-Lite?  That is exactly what you can do with our new Tasti Flavor Alerts. 
Alternatively, you can get daily text or email notifications of featured flavors at your neighborhood Tasti.

Here’s how:
  1. Find the nearest Tasti center participating in the Tasti Flavor Alert program.  Sign up for as many centers as you’d like, but just one at a time.  Click here for participating locations.
  2. Click on the Tasti Flavor Alerts sign-up icon on the center’s home page.
  3. Fill in your contact info and Alert Type (Text, email or both)
  4. Select your top 10 favorite flavors. (Use Ctrl to select multiple) -OR- Check the box “Just send me daily notifications of featured flavors.”
  5. Click “Sign Me Up”.

That’s it!

As part of our Grand Opening celebrations on Wednesday, September 17th, free Tasti D-Lite was given away for one hour at our Columbus Circle and Empire State Building flagship locations. Lines formed down the block as hundreds were treated with many experiencing Tasti for the first time.

Want advance notice of similar specials and promotions?  Become a Fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Don’t miss today’s opening of two new company-owned flagship stores at Columbus Circle and the Empire State Building.  Visit these new, beautifully designed centers for everything Tasti including new products like Pure D-Lite water and Tasti-branded merchandise and apparel.

Your neighborhood Tasti D-Lite centers are getting a makeover, too.  Many of them (the ones who opted to join our franchise network) are also re-opening with a spiffed-up new look.   Visit tastidlite.com/new for a full list of these locations.

You’ll also notice a difference in service at these locations. (If you don’t, please tell us.) Tasteologists are standing by at our flagship locations to answer your questions related to everything Tasti.  We’re out to set the highest standard for service excellence.

Of course, we worked very hard to fix what needed fixing, and keep all the things you love about Tasti D-Lite. Tasti is still lower in fat, calories, and carbs than traditional ice cream.  And it still comes in more than 100 fabulous flavors-with most flavors at 80 calories or less per 4 fl. oz. serving.

Join Z100& Greg T from Elvis Duran & the Morning Show at the new Tasti D-Lite Flagship store at Columbus Circle on Wednesday 9/17 from 4pm to 6pm for fun & great prizes!

Tasti Grand Opening Giveaway

On grand opening day 9/17 only, just show up at our new locations at Columbus Circle (1 to 2 p.m.) and the Empire State Building (3 to 4 p.m.) and get a FREE small Tasti!

This week, Tasti D-Lite will celebrate the Grand Openings of two flagship centers in Columbus Circle and the Empire State Building.  Part of our celebration will be a “Guilt Free Giveback” promotion to benefit the New York Food Bank.  20% of the proceeds from the sale of Tasti D-Lite frozen dairy dessert products at participating locations from September 17th-23rd will be contributed to The Food Bank for New York City. For more information, see tastidlite.com/new.
 
   

Tasti D-Lite recently participated in the 2008 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (Sep 5-12) events in Byrant Park. Guests were treated to samplings in the main tent and backstage at various times throughout the week.

 

The NY Times ran this article and several celebs and socialites were caught enjoying a treat at Fashion Week.

We previously mentioned the abundance of information in the social media related to Tasti D-Lite.  Our customers are fanatics and they are sharing their Tasti D-Lite experiences all over the web.

It seems the national media has finally caught on to what our customers have been talking about.  We believe this recent attention is just the start of what is to come with some big events planned for September at our two new flagship stores.

This Wall Street Journal article focuses on the expansion plans for Tasti D-Lite.  Fox Business subsequently followed up with this interview, then came the NBC Today Show with this piece.  CBS joined in with this segment.

What next?

Stay tuned for more information on the Tasti D-Lite brand re-launch.

The First New Tasti D-Lite Store Set to Open in the Empire State Building This Summer!

(June 24, 2008—New York, NY) Tasti D-Lite, New York’s favorite guilt-free dessert is teaming up with another New York icon to give New Yorkers the first look at this revitalized brand. The newest Tasti D-Lite store is set to open in the Empire State Building this summer, inviting New Yorkers and tourists alike to dessert their guilt with Tasti D-Lite.

“We are thrilled to be bringing New York’s dessert icon to one of New York’s most famous cultural landmarks,” says CEO Jim Amos, “The Empire State Building is a natural fit for our brand which began in New York and is soon to be available across the country and around the world.”The Empire State Building location is the second company owned lease to be signed.

The flagship Tasti D-Lite store will also open this summer at 60th and Broadway. In September, Tasti D-Lite will stage a gala grand opening and brand re-launch at both locations.

For over 20 years, Tasti D-Lite—the world’s number one good-for-you dessert—was sold through more than 60 independently owned and operated locations throughout New York. Now, Gotham’s favorite healthy frozen treat has a fresh image that is being taken worldwide. Tasti D-Lite plans to build a 500-center franchise network in just five years. With a world-class operating team, the company is undertaking a program of product innovation by bringing science and nutrition to the offerings, a complete focus on service improvement, flavor innovation, and customer involvement.

For additional information about Tasti D-Lite, please log onto www.tastidlite.com

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Press contact:
Jodi Hassan at ALISON BROD PUBLIC RELATIONS
212.230.1800 or jhassan@alisonbrodpr.com

Recently, the “Mobile Tasti” van participated in the Love Heals benefit in the Hamptons.  This annual benefit was inspired by and dedicated to the memory of Alison Gertz, a young Manhattanite who died of AIDS in 1992.  For the last 15 years, 50,000 young people annually are given the message of safer sex practices through speakers’ bureaus, educational videos and lesson guides. The organization has made a footprint and continues to grow as its message of love, hope and safety in sexual practices spreads.More information on the recent event can be found here.

Be on the lookout for more appearances of the Mobile Tasti van.

Who doesn’t love a good Top 10 List? We have gathered together some of the best quotes from around the web related to Tasti D-Lite. Each of these unsolicited entries have provided us permission to share just a glimpse of their Tasti experience.
 
10. “Tasti D is pretty much our favorite place on earth.” -Jodi & Cerina Found here.
 
9. “And now, I must step out for my nightly fix of Tasti D*Lite. I have a $2.75/ day habit. I hope they have Oreo Cookie!” - Valerie F. Found here.
 
8. “There was a time I used to eat it everyday. I am a bit better now,…” -Rori Found here.
 
7. “”For the first time I can honestly say that piece of luggage which you call a purse is actually useful,” he said shoving our contraband into my bag. We managed to get two cups of Tasti D (with lids) in as well before we rushed to buy the (movie) tickets across the street.” -Carrie G. Found here.
 
6. “I fall victim to its charms almost daily.” -Julia N. Found here.
 
5. “Jenny, you have to come back. It just isn’t Tasti D-lite without you… even though it’s just as yummy whether you’re here or not.” -Monica F. Found here.
 
4. “Running, running, running home as fast as I could to savor the creamy deliciousness that I was carrying.” -Laura Found here.
 
3. “…the basic ingredients in Tasti D are listed on their website. And most of the words are ones I’m familiar with.” -Scott R. Found here.
 
2. “If Tasti D-Lite frozen yogurt were a woman it would have a restraining order against me.” -Matthew S. Found here.
 
And our #1 pick for best Tasti D-Lite Customer Quote on the Web:
 
1. “I like to imagine that until the moment I step into the store, the flavors of the day have yet to be decided, and as I push the door open, the frozen dessert gods scan my soul and offer flavors as some sort of karmic redemption.” -Sam D. Found here.