For years, University of Arizona students craving a customizable frozen yogurt treat had to drive miles off campus.

That changed this August with the opening of Sweets, a new student-run fro-yo shop near Bear Down Gym, bringing the self-serve dessert experience to campus.

Sweets is a UA-owned concept and not part of a larger chain. 

“The idea for Sweets came from student feedback requesting more fun, customizable dessert options on campus,” Katie Schoeben, associate director of marketing for the Arizona Student Unions, told Tucson Spotlight. “Frozen yogurt was the perfect fit; it's refreshing in the Tucson heat, offers flexibility with toppings and flavors, and provides a lighter treat option that complements the other dining concepts on campus.”

Sweets is in the Bear Down Building, next door to the Bear Down Gym, a departure from the typical Student Union concept, which is usually housed inside the Student Union Memorial Center.

But Schoeben says the location is an advantage.

“The space serves as a central hub for students: close to the Rec Center, the Student Union Memorial Center, and high-traffic class routes,” she said. “The goal was to make Sweets a convenient ‘treat stop’ for students on the go.”

The idea for Sweets came about a year before its launch. Previously, Bear Down Gym had a lot of unused space, with only a couple of vending machines occupying the area where Sweets now stands.

Last year, Arizona Student Unions sought feedback from students about changes they would like to see in campus dining. As a result, staff made several updates heading into this school year: most Student Union restaurants were remodeled, Chick-fil-A moved locations, Campus Crust replaced Papa John’s, and Sabor relocated from the Global Center to the Historic District.

“We wanted to bring something new and joyful to campus,” Schoeben said. “Sweets. Everyone deserves a treat. Because isn’t that actually true? It’s simple and fun just like the experience we want every guest to have.”

Like many other campus restaurants, Sweets is primarily staffed by students, who wear bright pink shirts and assist guests at the checkout.

“Since opening, our student team has really brought the place to life,” Schoeben said. “They’ve described it as a fun, upbeat job where they get to connect with their peers and help shape a new campus favorite.”

Sweets regularly changes its flavors, adding seasonal options and toppings inspired by campus events and holidays.

“I love working here. The co-workers are great and we all have a great sense of camaraderie,” said Violettle Donnelly, a freshman fashion industries, science and technology major. “There have been a ton of students coming in and asking how to apply.”

Like other Arizona Student Union dining options, students can use their meal plan and CatCard to pay at Sweets.

And with frozen yogurt options in the area few and far between, Sweets was ready to fill that gap.

The Pinkberry in the Rancho Center on Speedway and Country Club has had an “opening soon” sign above its door for more than a year. Other frozen yogurt options are at least five miles from campus, a drive that can take up to 25 minutes. The closest off-campus option is Tutti Frutti at Park Place, but it closes at 9 p.m. on weekends, which doesn’t help students looking for a late-night sweet treat.

Sweets will soon have some competition: Santorino, a Greek frozen yogurt shop on University Boulevard, is promising “homemade natural ingredients,” although it is unclear when the shop will open.

Macy Hernandez is a journalism and business administration major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at macyhernandez@arizona.edu.

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