I think it's good but Way too expensive. The one in Andover is close enough. Why do that when we have homemade ice cream stores all around?

I heard its going next Harrows..there are plenty of open spaces there...I think its a little over rated and a little over priced but the kids love it!

Why not open where the Novel Cafe was? Right on 38 and AWESOME exposure. A lot of traffic and opening in Spring, a great boost for business...

LOVE this place!! It's def. a once a month only type splurge, but so excited to see this news. Would be great to see it in a spot where they could have outside seating, but not sure where that work with what's available in town...

I think a chipotle should come to town.

With a 12,000 dollar franchise fee, these stores will be popping up everywhere. The one in Andover center does an incredible business. Lines out the door and it's not even Summer yet.

I have a question, why would anyone have anything bad to say about a new business coming into town. The same people that are complaining about the price of purchasing ice cream at American Yogurt opening up, are the same ones complaining about all of the vacancies in Tewksbury. Why don't we say good luck to the new business instead of downing it before it is opened up. I welcome any new business to Tewksbury!

I strongly second the Chipotle idea. I also agree that a Tewksbury franchise for Orange Leaf is overkill (esp. with outstanding ice cream spots all over town) but with such a low franchise fee, it is a gamble many will take I am sure.

Our family LOVES Orange Leaf, and - when we go to the Andover store - we almost always find a Tewksbury friend in line. Four of us went last night and had the equivalent (or likely bigger) "bucket" of fro-yo and toppings that you'd find as a sundae in other ice cream shops. Our total cost was $16. Given the significant size of what we each created (mine was a combo of coconut, pineapple and mango fro-yo with blueberries on top), I think that $4 each was quite reasonable. We would have paid an easy $15-20 for large sundaes elsewhere. Given our limited Tewksbury choices, we almost always leave town for an ice cream treat. We'd be very happy to support an Orange Leaf here in town. The owner of the franchise is going to make a mint! The Andover shop is the most profitable one in the nation.

Why leave town.... Don't forget Tewksbury's favorite and most scenic ice cream spot, Meadowlands which is now open!

Welcome Orange Leaf
--BK

As someone that is lactose intolerant and thus CAN'T eat ice cream, I think Orange Leaf is a great idea! I love the one in Andover. I think it should go in to the old "Marshalls" plaza - nothing there worth going to except Pushcart and a huge parking lot.

Sounds wonderful!! I have heard great things about Orange Leaf and when it is not a new sub shop, take out chinese or a nail shop, it is a good thing.

Since I'm in Florida, I don't know if the lot across from the former airport, where the country club is now I think, would be a great location-plenty of parking and space for outside tables.

Are there any sites available near the town center? That would be ideal, and in line with our Master Plan I think? Also, with any town common events, having an Orange Leaf within walking distance from the Town Center would be ideal, for both the town AND the franchise. Otherwise, except for the fact that Mac's is across the street, where the Black Olive used to be would be nice due to it being walking distance from the Livingston St. rec area. Kids could walk there, and I think there is enough sidewalk space for outside tables. But I do agree from a franchise owners' perspective,that the site at Harrows would be great due to the easy access on/off 495, and bordering Lowell, with Chelmsford close enough too.

I wish orange leaf the best of luck. I think it would b great for the town. But I do agree that orange leaf should go into where blockbusters used to be. Lots if parking so the traffic on 38 won't be more of a diaster than it already is.

Although I think being in the Rite Aid plaza would be good due to being closer to the Livingston Street area, I think being up by Harrows separates them from possibly adverseley affecting Mac's and even Dandi Lyons. I think Orange Leaf is less an ice cream place than it is a safe, appropriate, cool place for driving aged teens to hang out. When we stop at the one in Andover, it seems that the 16-20 age group are the ones sitting in the store and those of us with kids, take the ice cream to go.

I had actually been hoping Dandi Lyons would evolve into something like Orange Leaf when the Grand Prix renovation/new place was completed.

My bet is it will be a part of the new mini golf/laser tag complex going in at the old grand prix

I have heard new info that the Pushcart is putting in a similar set up with frozen yogurt - so now I'm second guessing if this is good or not! I would much rather see an established place (and not to mention friends of mine!) get the business than a chain. I love Orange Leaf - but there's one in Andover which really isn't that far away. And if there are more coming other places as well then I wish one wouldn't go in in Tewksbury simply because I really want to see this help the Pushcart. I don't want their hard work to be for naught. They are good hardworking people who deserve this to be successful.

When I saw this article I looked up the Orange Leaf website and purused the different flavors and their calorie content. ...Those watching calories and/or sugar level watch out! Their yogurt averages MORE calories (avg 160 calories per 4 oz serving!) than regular ice cream! I know you think you are being healthier by eating this, but it is ALL sugar!! Very disappointing. And it is very expensive!

I debated for a day about making this post but I think the post is necessary. I know we as a town voted down the athletic complex and I was on of these people who voted no.

Just over a week ago, some of the posters on this thread were complaining about living on a fixed income and $20 tax increase was going to push them to the edge financially. In addition, some of these posters commented on other posters who supported the bill as rich. I am shocked to find some of these same posters buying premium ice cream given their dire financial situation.

If one is claim financial hardship, one needs to be consistent. I felt the people who cried poverty in the stadium debate and the supporters who claimed the cost was equivalent to a trip to the 99 were being disingenuous. Anyone who can afford owning a property while paying a mortgage has an extra $20 in income to pay on other items.

As someone who voted against the ballot question, I do think arguments around the rising tax burdens, the town has more pressing priorities, and the feasibility of the field are completely valid.

I believe how people spend their money is a personal decision and no one should have to defend themselves for having more money than others. Like everyone else, I would rather have more discretionary income vs paying money in taxes. However, making these statements while taking a complete opposite diminishes the credibility of a poster.

As for Orange Leaf, I know little about the company and the quality of their product. I saw Orange Leaf in Andover for the first time when I was leaving Dylan's in Andover a couple of weeks ago. The line was going to the door so I assume the quality is good.

However, I have some concerns about viable locations in Tewksbury. I think the Andover location succeeds due to the location in downtown Andover which attracts a large amount of foot traffic from other surrounding businesses. Tewksbury lacks such a location. If the Walmart plaza is indeed the location, the location lacks community type of activities that are needed for the success of such a business.

I hope Orange Leaf succeeds and I will have to try when it opens.

Susan, I meant foot traffic from the parking lots and other businesses.

I think the lack of a downtown shopping district hurts Tewksbury. The ability to have several businesses in one area attracts more traffic for a new business vs driving to each location. It would be great if the Rite Aid area and surrounding businesses could be turned into a downtown type of area but it would require a huge investment and the area would require a redesign.

After viewing the posts for the last few days I feel I have to make a comment. For those who are concerned that an Orange Leaf would take away business from some of the local businesses, Meadowlands and the Pushcart specifically lets be real Orange Leaf sells frozen yogurt not soups, salads and sandwiches. The Pushcart has and will remain a fixture in Tewksbury. I wish them the best but as an early poster commented there are far too many vacancies in town and this is a welcome addition. If you don't want to go there don't but ANY tax revenue coming into the town is revenue so lets embrace that. Seriously people its not a tattoo parlor its a frozen yogurt store...Why would we want the business to go to Andover when it could stay in Tewksbury. As for the folks who think it should be more centrally located and not near the Walmart Plaza (if in fact that is where its going) you may also be the same people who would complain if there is a line out the door causing traffic problems etc. Its great that there is a forum for people to voice their opinions concerns such as this but I think there are other more pressing issues in Tewksbury beyond Orange Leaf.

Orange Leaf is great but they don't deduct for the weight of the cup! So they are making a ton of extra money if you add up all those extra ounces. The cup must weigh an ounce by itself. There has to be a law against that.

Jim, they actually do deduct the weight of the cup. The register is set up on a tare to automatically deduct it.