Residents Serve Up A 'Twist' On Frozen Yogurt

Going to Twst’d is anything but a bland experience.

The newly opened frozen yogurt place on Valley Road in the A&P shopping center has a way of stimulating all of the five senses.

“We took the basic model and pumped it up a few notched,” said Scott Shacknow, who founded Twst’d with his wife Kristina. “This is a fun place. It’s a sensory experience.”

The Shacknows live in Wayne. Scott operates a dental practice in addition to running the store with Kristina, a former travel agent. The couple met in college working at a restaurant.

The establishment is the second frozen yogurt place to open in town in about a year. A new . That place offers patrons a similar make-your-own-sundae experience.

Patrons can choose from a variety of 18 frozen yogurts. The yogurts are made with real ingredients. The peanut butter variety is made with real peanut butter, not just peanut butter flavoring. The flavors are not tart either, although a tart vanilla flavor is available. 

Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are all here but there is also red velvet cheesecake, peanut butter Oreo, and dolce de leche flavors.

“Most of the flavors are so popular we’re having trouble figuring out which ones to rotate in,” Scott said.

The Shacknows tout their frozen yogurt has been a tasty, healthy alternative to ice cream.

Kristina said that that an average four-ounce serving averages about 100 calories and is higher in calcium and lower in fat than ice cream. She said the sweet treat also contains active yogurt cultures.

Those wishing for a little more sweetness can top their frozen yogurt with as many toppings as they want. There are staples such as chocolate sauce, caramel, and chocolate chips. Those feeling a little more daring can drizzle marshmallow sauce or pile on Sno-Caps, ice cream cake crunchies, Nerds candy, or Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. There’s also an assortment of fruit and nuts too. Payment is based on weight.

“It’s basically a make-your-own-sundae bar for adults,” Kristina said. “We’re giving everyone the keys to the castle and just letting them have fun.”

Even the name of the establishment was created with fun in mind.

“We did it that way because that’s how kids will text to their friends where they are hanging out or where they want to go to have a good time,” Kristina said.

Patrons have a few options when it comes to enjoying their custom-made creations. Families can choose to sit at a table or at the bar-type area near the front of the store. Teenagers may find the soft, brightly-colored couches and ottomans more appealing. The walls are covered with swirling, bright graffiti. Music videos and pop music play on a television set in the center of the room.

“When people come here, they want to be here,” Scott said. “They’re with their friends or their family having a good time.”

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