U-Top It Tops Off Flavor with Fun Atmosphere

On a wet and windy Thursday last week in the space previously occupied by a glass shop, Marin Yogurt Company’s U-Top It officially opened its doors in a grand opening to customers seeking a cool, creamy treat. (The store actually opened Feb. 10.)

The concept is simple: choose a 16- or 20-ounce cup, then one or more of the six low- and non-fat yogurt flavors. Add as much and as many of the toppings as you want, then take your custom-built creation to the cashier for weigh-in and payment. At 49¢ an ounce, there is plenty of leeway to build a simple mini-snack or an elaborate sundae with all the trimmings. 

Store Manager Mia Giudice takes flavor requests – check out the big binder of flavors and nutrition info next to the flowers for guidance – and plans to change flavors every week, based on demand. “We will always have chocolate and vanilla,” she said,” but don’t expect to see any of the no sugar-added options. In just a few days, “we’ve learned that people don’t like aspartame,” said Giudice.

Current flavors -- paired to swirl -- include Red Velvet Cake and Marshmallow Cream, Cinnamon Buns and Alpine Vanilla, Belgian Chocolate and Cappuccino, Very Raspberry and Creamy Tart.  The cow’s milk yogurt, sourced from various companies including Dannon, Rainbow and Ambrosia, is sadly not available in organic but is still delightfully creamy and rich at approximately 100 calories per ½ cup.

Toppings range from the expected (chocolate and rainbow sprinkles, gummi worms, chocolate chips, hot fudge, maraschino cherries) to the fanciful (cheesecake pieces, Girl Scout Thin Mints, mochi, peanut butter oatmeal, Cap’n Crunch cereal) to the healthful (organic kiwis, strawberries, mangoes and raspberries, toasted almonds). 

With floor-to-ceiling windows and a few tables both inside and out, U-Top It feels expansive and open. One bright green wall is mounted with four yogurt machines, on another hangs large fruit photos. One side of the room is the smorgasbord of topping selections – remember, everything is self-serve. Modern lighting fixtures and bright green and pink accents round out the décor.

A recent afternoon visit yielded two well-filled cups piled with all manner of fruit, nuts and caramel and two satisfied adults to the tune of $10. 

Stop in for a sample and try everything in this friendly, casual newcomer.  Then grab a seat by the window and enjoy the view.

Marin Yogurt Company’s U-Top It / 245 San Anselmo Ave @ Ross / 415-485-4441 / utopitsananselmo@yahoo.com

Hours:

Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

U-Top It was , as co-owner Dean Karnazes starts his Run Across America today, from Disneyland to New York City.