Seattle’s loss is Wichita’s gain with this national franchise

Boeing employees Catrina and Justin Hubbard have been wanting to move to the Wichita area to be near family, but while waiting for an opportunity, they decided to open a frozen yogurt business called Cuppa Yo in greater Seattle.

As they were working with the Oregon-based franchise, a chance to move to Andover came up.

“Oh, nope, we’re moving to Kansas, never mind,” was their initial response about the Cuppa Yo business, Catrina Hubbard said.

Then, they decided why not open one in Andover?

The company started franchising only last year.

“It’s getting popular,” Hubbard said. “I think we’re No. 11.”

A couple of other new ones are in the works elsewhere.

The self-serve business will open in late April at 626 S. Andover Road, which is in a strip center by Dillons.

“It’ll be somewhat bright and cheery,” Hubbard said.

There will be a bank of frozen yogurt machines. Customers serve themselves, including toppings, and then weigh their purchases to pay.

The chain’s slogan is, “Pour it, top it, weigh it.”

There will be inside and outside seating.

“There’s nothing like this in Andover,” Hubbard said.

Craig Ablah of Classic Real Estate handled the deal.

Hubbard said Derby likely is the next market she and her husband will expand to, followed by Wichita. Somewhere near Wichita State University is a possibility.

“We hope to open four in the area here in the next couple of years.”

She said there was no question about starting in Andover.

“This is our community and home for us,” Hubbard said. “It’s growing and is a good place to be.”