Casper, WY – Local frozen‑dessert chain Chozen Yogurt is set to open a new storefront inside the Eastridge Mall food court before the end of 2026. Owner Paul Beck said the new space will be rebranded simply as “Chozen” and will feature a menu tailored to mall shoppers, including hard‑packed frozen‑yogurt scoops, coffee and espresso, a few soup options, pizza by the slice, as well as crepes and waffles.
“We don’t have a location on the east side of town, so we thought it would be a good thing to do,” Beck explained. After scouting several spots, the company secured a former ice‑cream shop that already houses an espresso machine and other necessary infrastructure. “Since it was an ice cream store before, they have a lot of what we need, like the espresso machine and that kind of infrastructure,” he said.
Reviving a Struggling Food Court
Eastridge Mall’s food court has seen a steady decline in foot traffic since the early 2000s, a trend accelerated by the rise of online shopping and the retirement of longtime tenants such as Flaming Wok in 2025. The recent opening of Spud Man by Riverton restaurateurs James and Daisy Brady earlier this summer showed that new concepts can draw crowds. “They seem to be pretty busy every day that I’m over there,” Beck noted, adding that the presence of a new tenant helped convince him that the mall could support another food‑service business.
Beck plans to finish painting, install new equipment and complete electrical work in the coming weeks. Standing tables will be added for guests who prefer a quick bite while shopping. The goal is to be fully operational in time for the holiday shopping season, giving families a convenient place to enjoy a treat or a light meal.
From Mobile Bus to Mall
Earlier this year, Chozen experimented with a mobile concept housed in a remodeled school bus, bringing its signature frozen‑yogurt to community events and local festivals. The success of that venture encouraged the company to pursue a permanent mall location, expanding its reach beyond downtown Casper.
Beck, originally from Texas, recalled growing up frequenting malls with friends and family. “I definitely grew up in my own mall, and we have that same kind of nostalgia for it,” he said. “I’d like to see that come back and to have my kids be able to experience it. You go to the Cheyenne mall and see that it’s booming, and it would be nice to see our mall do the same thing.”
The new Chozen location is expected to create several part‑time jobs for local residents and contribute to the revitalization of Eastridge Mall’s food court, an area that city officials have been eager to reinvigorate. As the mall works to attract new tenants, the partnership with Chozen Yogurt represents a promising step toward restoring the venue’s role as a community gathering spot.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
