We told you about the new cafe/froyo joint called Yazzi's when it opened in November. Like many restaurants, it purposely opened quietly and is now ready for a more public "Grand Opening."
Yazzi's is making a big branding push this week, including sponsoring the Baylor Lady Bears game against Kansas on Wednesday night. This will probably prompt folks to ask "what is Yazzi's?" — a question I've heard a few times since November. My answer has been that it's a sandwich, salad and froyo place in the Bagby shopping center across form Baylor, kind of where Big Daddy's used to be.
But Lyndi Conradt, a Baylor student who is working with Yazzi's on its Grand Opening, is better at answering that question. So we conducted an email interview this week.
Yazzi's soft opened a couple of months ago, but it's hosting a Grand Opening this week. What's the reason for the timing of that?
Yazzi’s soft opening back in the fall allowed us to train our employees, fine tune our menu options and get a better feel for the needs of the Baylor and Waco communities. Now that the spring semester is in full swing and students are settled in for the semester, we’re ready and excited to make our big debut!
What does Yazzi's bring to the Baylor/Waco restaurant scene that's new?
At Yazzi’s, we use fresh, natural ingredients, and all of our food is prepared made-to-order. Our menu has been carefully crafted to include options that are healthy, fun, and incorporate a uniquely southern style. So much of what you can get from restaurants are “factory-made,” with no thought behind the counter. Yazzi’s desires to take a step away from the prepackaged, pre-prepared restaurant model by making each dish with the person who will be enjoying it in mind.
Tell us about "The Mulk." What is it and how did it get its name?
“The Mulk” named after Coach Kim Mulkey, is our signature dish – it consists of tangy yogurt topped with 3 fruits, strawberries, grapes, bananas, granola, honey , then topped with additional tangy yogurt. A meal in its own. Coach Mulkey LOVES this specialty dish.
How is Yazzi's ideal for Baylor students?
Yazzi’s is located close to campus, 1700 S. 5th Street—in the shopping center on the corner of Bagby and 5th, making it a convenient place for students to grab a quick lunch or dinner. You can even call ahead and order food to-go, if you’re in a hurry between class, meetings, and other extracurriculars. If Moody Library is too busy, or you’re looking for a new study spot, Yazzi’s is open until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and offers free Wi-Fi.
Is it more geared for the Baylor community or is there potential from folks from all over town to enjoy Yazzi's?
With our close proximity to campus it makes us great for Baylor students, but anyone who enjoys fresh, healthy meals and frozen yogurt can enjoy Yazzi’s! We are not far from anyone.
What are some specials for people to keep in mind?
On Thursdays, students can wear their sorority, fraternity, or organization’s letters and receive an 11 percent discount. If you miss Thursday night’s deal, come in with a group of four or more on Foursome Fridays and receive 10 percent off your order.
We hear Yazzi's is planning to launch a delivery service. When might that happen and how far will the delivery area range?
We are putting the finishing touches on our delivery service and look forward to letting everyone know when it becomes available.
Other than The Mulk, what is your favorite menu item?
The toasted Yazzi’s Melt, with your choice of turkey, ham, chicken or steak – dressed with lettuce, tomato, avocado and either swiss or cheddar cheese, then topped off with our chipotle mayo, is a favorite of mine and many of our new customers.
