Amir Jamali, owner of Leyla World, which opened almost two years ago, enjoys changing the yogurt flavors at his Mission Street shop. He announces them on Facebook every other day, usually including one sugar-free flavor and one dairy-free one. He carries 20 ice cream flavors, too.
SANTA CRUZ WEEKLY: How do you pick your yogurt flavors?
We look at the trends on websites. We ask customers. We have a book that customers can write their favorite flavor they want us to carry. Then sometimes we do our own flavor. For example, lime pomegranate—something we do ourselves—is very popular.
How do you wash the yogurt machine each night?
It takes a couple hours. You have to open about 20 components, the doors in the front. You rinse the machine with lukewarm water a few times. Then you sanitize it. Then you lube the components. Then you put them together. Then again sanitize them. The machine is ready. Each machine has to be washed about three or four times, each hopper. Each machine has two hoppers that can hold flavors. Therefore we can have about eight flavors in our store. Each hopper needs to be washed and cleaned every night. Then the next morning we come to our store at about 9 o’clock. It takes about an hour to prepare it.
What are your favorite yogurt toppings?
Nuts, roasted almonds, premium chocolate and fresh fruit.
Where are you from?
I’m from Iran. Maria is from Mexico, but she also has some German background. She lived in Germany for 10 or 12 years. We like people. Who comes to our shop? Little girls and boys. We are family friendly.
Are ice cream and frozen yogurt popular in Iran?
Frozen yogurt, nobody knows about—not yet. If I could do it, I would do it. I know Iranian customers come and love the frozen yogurt. It’s probiotics. It’s very good for you. Ice cream is very popular. Once this yogurt gets to Iran, the line will be out the door.
