Students battled winter temperatures last Wednesday as Yogurt Extreme, a do-it-yourself frozen yogurt dessert bar, opened its doors on 13th Avenue between Kincaid and Alder streets.
Yogurt Extreme now occupies the second story of the same building as the Duck Store, where China Blue once stood. The main draw of Yogurt Extreme is the variety and choices for customers to design a dessert uniquely personal to their taste preference.
“It allows you to create your own masterpiece,” said John Humphreys, brother of original creator Jane Humphreys and husband of the store’s owner, Karen Humphreys.
Starting with a foundation of 12 different yogurts to choose from, customers can select from more than 75 toppings. The topping bar is stocked with anything from fortune cookies to Fruity Pebbles cereal to dried cranberries, along with such traditionals as gummy bears, Reese’s Pieces candy and rainbow sprinkles.
Yogurt Extreme also offers choices for dessert lovers with dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free options. Students can also buy a cup of coffee along with their frozen yogurt.
At its core, Yogurt Extreme is a business designed to be around a college campus. The idea for Yogurt Extreme was created by Jane Humphreys and her sister Jenny Rampone. Opening near the Oregon State University campus in February 2010, the original Yogurt Extreme was such an instant success that Jane Humphreys opened a second location in Corvallis five months later. The decision to expand the business to Eugene seemed to be a natural progression.
“I knocked on doors along 13th for three months before I found this location,” John Humphreys said.
The Humphreys’ couldn’t have asked for a better place near campus. After an intense winter remodel, the former Chinese restaurant’s space was expanded to nearly 2,000 square feet, allowing for a lot more space than the average dessert-only restaurant.
“Because we have the space, we try to allow the students to come in and stay,” Humphreys said. Two large flat-screen televisions hang on opposite walls, and the business plans to add electrical outlets to accommodate students’ laptops.
“I really like the fact that it’s on the second floor and has such a good atmosphere,” said Sara Loitz, a University student relaxing in Yogurt Extreme.
Opened for only a week, Yogurt Extreme is already planning on ways to make the business part of the community. It intends to find local nonprofits to donate to and get involved with the University’s art department to bring students’ artwork into the store.
“I think it’d be really great since the U of O has such a large art department,” said Rachael Hudson, shift leader at Yogurt Extreme and University sophomore.
The shop’s soon-to-be study friendly atmosphere makes Yogurt Extreme the newest option for students looking for a break as the weather warms up.
“It’s light and it’s fun,” University senior Jack McNeal said. 
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