Review: Qoola Yogurt and Fruit on Denman

Comments 23 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Months ago 1116 Denman street was decked out in pink and fluffy designs with dozens of decadent cupcakes on display, however once the small bakery moved out, Qoola moved in and not only gave the space a facelift, it started to change the way people approach snacks and dessert.

Qoola

I admit that the only frozen yogurt I had really tried was of the mid-mall eatery variety but with Qoola’s motto of “no poweder, always fresh” you really can taste the difference.

Qoola

Fresh fruit is prepared while the yogurt, which comes in green tea, chocolate, raspberry or original, cools all day.

Qoola

The ordering style of Qoola is pretty simple; pick your yogurt then pick your topping. However, with smoothies, bowls, waffles and crepes on the menu there is much more to Qoola than soft serve.

Qoola

Qoola

Qoola

Qoola

Qoola also offers free WIFI to its customers, hot beverages from $2 and they’re open late. Their website isn’t fully launched but they are currently very active on Twitter (thanks to Raul for the referral too).

Another impressive feature of Qoola is its effort to be as sustainable as possible and while founder Warrick Chu admits they are not yet “100% Green”, they sure have a headstart. All of the utensils are biodegradable, along with the take out containers and smoothie (plastic-looking) drink cups, and their trash sorting station is filled with instructions on what is plant-based and what can be recycled.

Qoola

Qoola

On a strip of road where shops offer up cookies, fudge and cakes, it’s nice to have a healthier alternative that can be just as delicious, good for you, and good for the environment.

Qoola

If you’d like to check out Qoola Yogurt and Fruit, at any time of day, please tell them “Miss604 sent me” and you’ll receive a special treat.

Promo code can be used once per visit as a blueberry topping on frozen yogurt, waffles and crepes only.

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23 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. WillTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 10:23am PST

    This post really made me hungry. Great photography! Never was much of a cupcake fan (though I really liked the shop). Now the big question… an they last? Denman St. rent likes to chew new shops up and spit them out on a regular basis.

  2. Tim AyresTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 10:27am PST

    Looks like a nice place, Rebecca! It’s frustrating me reading it though, because I realized halfway through making my morning smoothie that I am in fact, yogurtless, and it’s just not as good. 🙁

  3. Miss604Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 10:28am PST

    Well the Cupcake shop moved closer to the beach (I have nothing against Cupcakes, they are *delicious*) and I would suspect a frozen treat place would do well in the summer. I think they opened now just to build some momentum in the local community before tourist season 🙂

  4. Mom604Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 10:41am PST

    There is a new cupcake store opening up soon on Thurlow just below Robson (where the Tie Rack was) I am a huge fan of the cupcake! (unfortunately)and it’s just around the corner from my office!

  5. Tyler IngramTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 11:22am PST

    This place is 3 buildings from me 🙂 There are usually a couple people in it when I walk by even when it’s cold and rainy out. Perhaps one day I’ll drop in and try it out.

    At lot of change seems to be happening on Denman this year 🙂

  6. JennyTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 11:46am PST

    Now I want cupcakes dipped in yogurt or yogurt covered cupcakes. Thanks a lot! But seriously it looks yummy. Frozen yogurt is good.

  7. Urban DwellerTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 11:55am PST

    I’m reading this and can’t wait to go on lunch break now. Thanks for this post, I must check this place out!

    And btw cupcakes are good too 🙂

  8. RaulTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 1:01pm PST

    Qoola is awesome, and I *love* every single of their treats. It’s funny – JT was asking me why on Earth would I want to go and eat frozen yogurt and brave the cold weather. I told him “you *have* to come with me so that you understand what I mean! 😀

  9. Paul from OptimumTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 3:12pm PST

    Nice post Rebecca! My g/f has been looking for a good fro yo spot like this in Vancouver for years now. Do I share this information (assuming she doesn’t read this) right away or do I keep this one in my back pocket?

  10. MizzJTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 3:40pm PST

    Has anyone else seen the Seinfeld episode about the frozen yoghurt place? Newwwmaann!

    The place looks delish and frozen yoghurt is supposedly healthier than ice cream. Can’t wait to try it out!

  11. JamieTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 4:26pm PST

    I discovered Qoola on Denman a couple weeks back after visiting NYC and LA where Pinkberry reigns supreme (http://www.pinkberry.com/). Besides the delicious yogurt and toppings, I love the biodegradable cutlery and containers. We need more eateries setting such a good example! I am moving to the West End next month and Qoola will definitely become a regular snack spot.

    This past weekend, I ordered a small plain with a blackberry/Fruity Pebbles topping combo. Mmmmmm… The first bite into the Fruity Pebbles instantly brought me back to weekend camping trips to northern NY state, where my parents would let us load up on any breakfast cereals we desired. Naturally, we chose amongst the glorified candy peddled to us betwixt Saturday morning cartoons that were not yet (and some were never) available to the deprived children of Canada. Fruity Pebbles, Cookie Crisp and Cap’n Crunch were among our faves. Even with all its great marketing, Trix sorely disappointed.

    How did this become about breakfast cereal?

    Go Qoola! (when you getting a Cookie Crisp topping?)

  12. NicoleTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 5:01pm PST

    “their trash sorting station is filled with instructions on what is plant-based and what can be recycled.” This is GREAT

    Remember people you can always take your own re-usable container from home if you know you’re headed somewhere that only provides disposables, no matter how green they are they are still disposables that use energy and produce waste in their making!

    Thanks Qoola for being on the Green Team!!!

  13. Jenn ScottTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 5:29pm PST

    Wow,

    Never been a dessert person but this makes me want to finally become one!

    Thanks!

  14. WarrickTuesday, February 3rd, 2009 — 10:31pm PST

    We are humbled by the outpouring of support from everyone – from those who are fans of our food, to those who share the same principles regarding sustainability, to those who are just rooting on our little home-grown business, and those who have taken the time to sit down and just gotten to know us and what we’re trying to do. Our approach – only providing the highest quality food, the responsible sourcing of consumables that will not adversely affect our environment, and always remembering that our success will be determined by our patrons – this will never change and we will not compromise.

    Thank you so much, on behalf of everyone here at Qoola for your support. I personally promise that as long as we are able, we will always strive to uphold the highest standards that we have set for ourselves and our fans. Thanks again to Miss604 for the post, you are awesome.

    PS To the poster Jamie above – I remember taking your order. Glad you enjoyed your Qoolala. No plans for Cookie Crisp yet but you never know….

  15. JennWednesday, February 4th, 2009 — 1:30am PST

    yumm… thanks for thee tip. I’ve got to check it out this weekend.. when did they open?

  16. Thursday Morning Link Fest: NerdPickupLines » Vancouver Blog Miss 604 by Rebecca BollwittThursday, February 5th, 2009 — 12:04pm PST

    […] Have you made your way to Qoola Fruit + Yogurt yet and told them “Miss604 sent me” to get your free blueberry […]

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  18. Review: Froyoswirl Frozen Yogurt » Vancouver Blog Miss 604 by Rebecca BollwittTuesday, February 17th, 2009 — 11:01am PST

    […] Before I had even heard of this “fresh fruit and frozen yogurt” phenomenon I received an email from the owners of Froyoswirl on Homer Street, inviting me to come and try their frozen yogurt creations. I didn’t have the chance to head in until today, and in the meantime I totally jumped on board with the frozen yogurt bandwagon thanks to the good folks at Qoola. […]

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  20. I Love Food BlogThursday, April 9th, 2009 — 12:51am PDT

    Great review. I especially like the photo of the waffle. Yummy! Makes me crave for one right now!

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  22. DennisTuesday, February 16th, 2010 — 5:37pm PST

    I am really shocked to have heard from my friends that work at this place, on how the owners treat their employees. Apparently they never get paid for overtime, and never get their cheques ON time!
    Its crazy how these people come across as nice,reliable owners and yet show the complete opposite, the yogurt is “okay” it tastes like any other out there….not impressed

    Like seriously….if they want their employees to give out their 100% to Qoola during their work shifts…..the owners need TO LEARN HOW TO DO THEIR JOB!!!
    GOD!

  23. AprilTuesday, February 16th, 2010 — 5:51pm PST

    I am really shocked to have heard from my friends that work at this place, on how the owners treat their employees. Apparently they never get paid for overtime, and never get their cheques ON time!
    Its crazy how these people come across as nice,reliable owners and yet show the complete opposite, the yogurt is “okay” it tastes like any other out there….not impressed

    Like seriously….if they want their employees to give out their 100% to Qoola during their work shifts…..the owners need TO LEARN HOW TO DO THEIR JOB!!!
    GOD!

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