By Sevanah Sandoval
Since 1994, Double Rainbow Cafe has been serving Benicia ice cream, snow cones, milkshakes, specialty drinks, gelato, and more. In June 2020, new ownership took over the establishment, Brandon and Alicia Brewster. The Brewsters have a mission of “spreading happiness in [the] community” and making an ice cream trip a “memorable experience.”
This much loved shop has been a stable source of ice cream and other sweets while other businesses phase in and out. For example, this happened when Baskin Robbins and the short-lived Supernova left town. While there is a trend of the businesses in the fated lot next to Nation’s leaving, there is a renewed hope for the incoming shop.
Rainbow FroYo, a business under the ownership of Double Rainbow Cafe, has just opened. It is Benicia’s only frozen yogurt shop, making for a more convenient trip than driving to Vallejo or Concord. Over the past few days, the Rainbow FroYo Instagram account has been posting pictures of the progress of the store, including frozen yogurt machine shipments, final decoration touches, and a photo of all staff.
Image: Rainbow FroYo Instagram, 03/19/2024. “Big delivery day 🙌🏼”
Image: Rainbow FroYo Instagram, 03/30/24. “Working on the final touches 🫶🏼”
Rainbow FroYo Instagram, 04/07/2024. “The team who will be helping you soon! 🌈🫶🏼”
Rainbow FroYo is not only special for being the only frozen yogurt shop in Benicia. In fact, they are donating a portion of all proceeds to local children’s charities. Not only will buying frozen yogurt give you an enjoyable sweet treat, but it will help out important causes.
I was lucky enough to interview the owners of Rainbow FroYo about this new business. A transcript of the interview can be found below!
1. When did the idea for Rainbow FroYo develop?
We’ve really enjoyed developing Double Rainbow Cafe over the past four years and started considering the idea of another business about one year ago. We’ve looked at ice cream shops throughout the Bay Area but really had our heart set on the idea of having Frozen Yogurt. We do get asked questions occasionally by customers at Double Rainbow Cafe asking for Frozen Yogurt or Soft Serve, so we knew there was a need for it in Benicia. When we realized the corner spot at Military East & Second St. was going to be available, we had to jump at the chance!
2. What inspired you to donate a portion of proceeds to charity?
Benicians were so supportive of Double Rainbow Cafe when we took ownership in June of 2020, it really meant a lot to us that everyone was so welcoming during those beginning months of the pandemic. We started looking for ways to give back to the community. We developed Fundraiser Fundaes, which donate 15% of each order to Families in Transition of Benicia, which were a lot of fun to create because each one gives homage to Benicia in some way. We also love being part of the school community and sponsoring “Great Behavior” tickets at the elementary schools in Benicia. And our annual Christmas Gift drive to Aldea in Solano County is near and dear to our hearts since it supports foster youth throughout the county.
With the generous spirit of the community supporting our business, we’ve been able to do more than we could have imagined with the shop. So, when we realized Rainbow FroYo could actually become a reality, we decided it would be a great way to solidify our support for the community and spotlight the great work being done all around us for children in the county.
3. What are you most excited for in regards to Rainbow FroYo?
We are so excited to try something new! Being in the business of frozen desserts is generally a lot of fun. Customers are genuinely happy, and it’s great to be part of their celebrations, whether it’s a family birthday, someone’s great report card or a winning game. It’s been a very cool experience being their choice location to celebrate. Now having this additional opportunity to offer an experience that Benicians have been asking for is really an honor. And it’s been fun to explore our own creativity in designing the store, logo, colors, etc. on our own.
4. What makes Rainbow FroYo unique?
Our charity sponsorship is a unique aspect to our shop. We also pride ourselves on having a variety of frozen yogurt options for different dietary needs, such as dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and no sugar added, as well as the unique creations our customers make every day! It’s been so fun to see the colorful cups coming through!
With their current success, it is easy to see Rainbow FroYo will be a well-loved Benicia staple, especially as summer approaches.
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