After nearly 10 years of serving the Cranberry Township community, TCBY Frozen Yogurt is packing up its scoops.

“It was the timing,” said Jennifer Gilliland Vanasdale, who owns the franchise and building along Route 228 with her husband, Gary. “Based on the current circumstances there was just no possibility.”

Vanasdale said when she and her husband first acquired the building 17 years ago, they wanted to develop a diverse group of businesses. TCBY's self-serve business model made it an attractive franchise option.

“We really wanted to have a nice mix of tenants,” Vanasdale said. “(And) I love healthy treats.”

Vanasdale said TCBY has been closed since Gov. Tom Wolf mandated non-essential businesses to cease operations when the pandemic first hit Pennsylvania.

Because the shop is self-serve, Vanasdale said its “interactive” business makes the liability too high. The shop can't deliver to customers. Customers can't stop by for curbside pickup.

As the pandemic and the state's economic downturn aligned with the end of TCBY's 10-year franchise agreement, the Vanasdales decided not to renew their contract. The couple believes it's time to find a new appropriate tenant.

Vanasdale said TCBY corporate representatives support the couple's decision and appreciate the work they've done.

“They've been very understanding,” Vanasdale said.

Vanasdale said her father, Don Gilliland, was a large part of what kept TCBY running smoothly. He helped employees during the week in a number of ways.

But Gilliland, a truck driver, is 80. Vanasdale's family is taking steps to make sure he's not exposed to COVID-19. He's not as involved with the business as he was in the past.

The yogurt shop built important relationships with workers and customers, according to Vanasdale. A community board inside the shop commemorated these connections with photos, cards and signs.

Brian Celender, a Center Township resident who volunteers with local football organizations and owns Steadfast Custom Construction, has come to know the Vanasdales and TCBY over the years.

“They would sponsor events,” Celender said. “They were one of the places where you could reach out for (support).”

Celender said TCBY was a large part of youth football programs in the Cranberry Township area.

Helping out

TCBY announced its closing in a post on the frozen yogurt shop's Facebook page Tuesday. The same post invites customers to stop by the shop along Route 228 on Saturday for one last serving of frozen yogurt.

Saturday's event starts at 2 p.m. Workers will follow pandemic safety measures while distributing preselected yogurt cups to people in their vehicles. The event will last as long as the supplies does.

“It's a celebration of the community,” Vanasdale said. “We just appreciate all the support through the years.”

TCBY will also be collecting donations for Gleaners Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank and The Lighthouse Foundation to help feed residents of Butler and Allegheny counties. Staff and volunteers will accept cash or non-perishable contributions while providing yogurt.

Vanasdale said being there for the community has always been a part of TCBY's operation. Celender said now it's particularly important for business owners to support each other. With the future so uncertain, many are having to make tough decisions.

“We really support small businesses,” Celender said. “I do fear what the economy is going to do, especially in Pennsylvania.”

Vanasdale said TCBY is closing because of timing more than anything. Though she believes the pandemic was the “driving force” behind the Vanasdales' decision, the shop's expiring franchise contract was a contributing factor.

The pandemic is especially affecting small businesses, but Vanasdale doesn't believe that means closure is the only option for everyone. Every business is different and has a unique set of circumstances. She encourages business owners to assess all their options.

“I continue to believe that hard work always pays off,” Vanasdale said. “As my dad would say, 'Keep truckin.'”