Huntington Beach, Calif. - Not many stores gain all the attention and fuss as Pinkberry does. Like the Krispy Kreme donut craze, this frozen yogurt brand has tails wagging (there's a water dish outside each store for thirsty dogs) and people drooling for the smooth, creamy taste of the frozen yogurt. It only comes in two flavors--pinkberry original and green tree.  Fruit toppings, smoothies and a deluxe concoction all delight those seeking a healthy alternative to ice cream, filled with fat content.

Outside the Pinkberry store in Long Beach the store manager told a friend and me that he'd lost 20 pounds on the Pinkberry diet...kind of like Jared and the Subway sandwiches. Apparently if you eat enough of it and give up other vices, the weight eventually comes off.

Bella Terra Mall owners feel this shop will be the right ingredient for success in a revamped shopping center (formerly Huntington Beach Mall) that has transformed into an outdoor entertainment center with lots of dining. Partner Lindsay Parton, who attended the Pinkberry grand opening, said the mall is poised to become a premier mixed use complex that could include residential along with existing commercial interest. An old Montgomery Ward building that sits empty is slated for demolition to begin the project.  

Since the mall's grand opening in the fall 2006, several restaurants have already come and gone, while others are going strong.  The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen and Islands are a few that have clicked with the local audience. Most nights you must drive around to find parking close to the restaurant you choose. While a huge parking structure holds ample spaces, the HB locals have not yet become accustomed to this type of parking and avoid it when they can.

Pinkberry is located in Bella Terra Mall at the cross streets Edinger Avenue and Sher Lane. For tourists visiting, the nearest hotel is Hotel Huntington Beach.

Hotel Huntington Beach is located directly across the street from Bella Terra Mall. In the morning you can wander over to Starbucks at Barnes & Noble for your gourmet coffee drinks, dine at approx. 20 surrounding restaurants, enjoy a cocktail at Old World Village, sake and sushi, or take in a movie. All are just across the street. Pretty neat!