Yogurt shop could be coming to village center

A self-serve frozen yogurt shop may soon arrive on Main Street in New Milford.

Businessman Michael Terry's application will go to a public hearing July 10 before the Zoning Commission to change the retail space at 7 Main St. previously housing an art gallery into a restaurant.

The frozen yogurt shop/cafe, called Tasty Waves, would sit between Tivoli restaurant and Nordica Toys.

Plans submitted to the Zoning Commission include 12 self-serve frozen yogurt dispensers, a station for self-serve fruit and candy toppings, seven tables and a counter, as well as restrooms.

Possible sidewalk seating is also included in the application.

"My wife, Patricia, and I have taken the kids to some of the other frozen yogurt shops in the area and they loved them," said Mr. Terry, a New Milford resident.

"I'd been looking for a business opportunity to invest in and I'm confident this will have a big draw," he said. "We'd looked in some other towns and thought the Green in New Milford was made for this type of business."

Mrs. Terry and her family from New Preston, the Lewises, would own the business, he added.

Christopher Blocker, New Milford economic development supervisor, sees the addition of Tasty Waves to the Village Center as a plus.

"Mr. Terry's business coming here displays a confidence that our downtown is a successful location," said Mr. Blocker. "It also shows that our economy is recovering. Frozen yogurt is a luxury item."

He said Mr. Terry is "attracted by our Green."

"Tasty Waves would be in a prime location between an existing restaurant and a toy store," Mr. Blocker added.

"Hopefully, it will attract people to linger in the downtown -- have dinner, take in a movie and go for a frozen yogurt, or take the kids to the toy store and then enjoy a frozen yogurt on the Green," he said.

stuz@newstimes.com; 860-355-7322