Yo Addiction! Serves Up New Additions

Constantly striving to keep their store fresh and fun, the team at Yo Addiction! has added some new items to the frozen treat shop's menu. 

The latest crowd-pleaser, according to owner Paul Marzarella, is the Big Mama Yo Fun Station. At more than six-feet tall, the enormous toy machine holds up to 5,000 prizes, ranging from small trinkets and coupons for a free frozen treat to complimentary yogurt for up to six people. The Big Mama Yo Fun Station accepts tokens, which are free for children 12 and under with their purchase. 

"When kids see it, their faces light up," Marzarella said. "They immediately start asking their parents for quarters but it only takes tokens, which are free, so the parents like that." 

Also keeping the family entertained while at Yo Addiction! are new iPads and the addition of Wifi.

Just in time for Thanksgiving, frozen yogurt pies are another new offering. While pumpkin has been popular, of course, Marzarella said customers are welcome to custom-design their own flavors as well. Priced at $12.50 for a 10-inch pie, the frozen desserts feature either graham cracker or Oreo crusts.

Yo Addiction! also recently added a Fruit Smoothie Station. Installed by RetroFitness, the menu features an array of blends but customers are welcome to create their own concoction, Marzarella said. 

Of all the store's new undertakings, the business owner said the one he is most proud of is a program in which Millburn High School students visit Yo Addiction! as part of an applied academics class. The students, who have special needs, are participating in a functional independent living and working skills program, Marzarella explained. As such, the teens fix themselves a cup of yogurt, pay, say "thank you," eat and clean up. Some are assisted by aides and Marzarella said he would be open to working with other area schools with similar programs.

"It's helping them function in the real world," Marzarella said. "When they graduate, they can work here part-time in two-hour shifts. This is my most favorite program. Seeing the excitement on their faces, it's a very good feeling." 

Raised in the Union/Springfield area, the entrepreneur said he is always looking to give back to his community. 

"We never say no," said Marzarella, who added that the store proudly supports Springfield's schools and athletic programs by making providing yogurt or donating the proceeds from sales. Most recently, Yo Addiction! contributed to the Walton School social.

"It's a win-win," he said. "We love to help and we love to get some new faces in here."

Up next, Yo Addiction! hopes to find a way to bring groups of senior citizens from the Sarah Bailey Civic Center in for all-you-eat yogurt and coffee outings priced at $2 per person for two-hour increments. Marzarella said plans are currently "in the works."

Yo Addiction! is located at 100 Route 22, Springfield, New Jersey 07081. For more information, call 973-232-6047 or visit the store's Facebook page.