There's nothing sweeter than a cup of frozen yogurt in Atlanta on a hot summer day---but what if that frozen yogurt was served to you by a robot?
Looks like the city is one step closer to that sci-fi reality. Reis & Irvy's, a frozen yogurt company known for its fro-yo robot vending machine, has signed a $21 million contract for the exclusive franchise rights of RobotTreats, LLC, an Atlanta-based robot-staffed frozen yogurt chain set to open locally.
Jennifer L. Scully, the woman behind RobotTreats also serves as the founder and CEO of Clinical Resources, a national healthcare staffing firm headquartered in Atlanta. She formed RoboTreats with Atlanta entrepreneurs Sadie and Wyatt Kulla earlier this year.
The deal between the robo-fro-yo companies includes contracts for 20 initial Reis & Irvy's locations along with an agreement to establish 480 additional locations throughout Atlanta. The agreement also secures Scully's exclusive rights to the greater Atlanta area, according to a news release.
“Reis & Irvy’s is an innovative company disrupting a popular market," she said in a statement. "When initially introduced to Reis & Irvy’s, there was no doubt we could leverage our operating strengths to launch this game-changing industry. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to bringing this opportunity to the thriving Atlanta Metro area.”
Nick Yates, chairman of Reis & Irvy's parent company Generation NEXT Franchise Brands, Inc., said in a statement he felt honored to do businesses with a high-profile entrepreneur like Scully in Atlanta.
“Jennifer is able to combine her comprehensive experience with a broad network of contacts as a former board member with American Red Cross, United Way Women’s Leadership Society, and on board of counselors for the Carter Center," he said. "I have full confidence in her ability to promote and expand a large and successful franchise territory.”
Reis & Irvy’s vending machines with character robots "Reis" and "Irvy" can dispense frozen yogurt, ice cream, gelato and sorbet topped with six different toppings in under a minute. Since its launch, the company has grown to 260 franchisees across the country and is valued at an estimated $160 million. PGA Championship golfer Phil Michelson recently signed a contract in June to launch 30 different Reis & Irvy's locations in Southern California.
