Yogi Shack owners Natalie and Sofia Williams celebrate after cutting the ribbon during the shop’s May 13 grand opening in downtown Marysville.

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Marysville’s historic downtown got a little sweeter May 13 as residents, city officials and local business supporters gathered on Third Street to celebrate the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of Yogi Shack, the city’s first frozen yogurt shop.

Located at 317B Third St. inside a roughly 100-year-old downtown building, Yogi Shack sits between a butcher shop and a soon-to-open bakery, a combination city leaders said reflects growing momentum in Marysville’s downtown corridor.

“This has been an awesome day for us, the City of Marysville, but also just our whole community,” said Dan Flores, community and economic development director for the City of Marysville. “I mean, how can you go wrong with having a frozen yogurt shop right downtown?”

Members of the Williams family gather outside Yogi Shack during the May 13 ribbon cutting for the new downtown Marysville frozen yogurt shop.

According to Liz Gates, membership and marketing specialist for the Yuba-Sutter Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon cutting marked the first joint ceremony between the chamber and the City of Marysville.

“This is incredible to see this amount of people,” Gates said. “This is huge for Marysville. This is huge for the Chamber of Commerce.”

Gates thanked city staff, chamber ambassadors, local police and fire departments, business owners and community members for supporting the event.

“This really takes a community to come together to make all this work,” Gates said.

For owners Sofia and Natalie Williams, Yogi Shack is rooted in family, local ties and a desire to create a welcoming gathering place. According to the owners, the business’ mission is “to provide a place of happiness for our community by creating meaningful experiences and making every visit a sweet memory for all.”

A cup of frozen yogurt is served inside Yogi Shack during the shop’s May 13 grand opening celebration.

Sofia Williams said she grew up in the area, attended local schools, played sports, worked in the community and is now raising her family locally.

“Yogi Shack was created as a community gathering place built on local roots and relationships, family values and a love for bringing people together,” Williams said.

Natalie Williams thanked those who supported the business during the opening process, including people who promoted the shop online.

“It’s been a long journey, but there are many people here today who helped keep us going,” Natalie Williams said. “I do appreciate everybody who has posted and shared and just came together for us. We really appreciate you.”

Community members, city officials and business supporters gather outside Yogi Shack during its May 13 ribbon-cutting ceremony in downtown Marysville.

Marysville Mayor Chris Branscum attended the event while enjoying a cup of vanilla-chocolate swirl frozen yogurt topped with chocolate syrup and encouraged attendees to visit the shop.

“I’m here to testify,” Branscum said. “I’ve already been inside. It’s really good!”

Branscum also presented the owners with a city recognition congratulating them on joining Marysville’s business community. Councilmember Margie Rollins highlighted continued growth along Third Street.

“Third Street is where the real momentum is happening in Marysville, so please pay attention and support,” Rollins said.

Yogi Shack owners Natalie and Sofia Williams prepare to cut the ribbon outside the new frozen yogurt shop at 317B Third St. in Marysville on May 13.

Councilmember Stuart Gilchrist said Yogi Shack’s evening hours and central downtown location make it a convenient stop for visitors exploring nearby restaurants, shops and bars.

“After you have dinner, you come here and have a fabulous yogurt, which I have been doing since it opened,” Gilchrist said. “Watch the waistline!”

Yuba County Supervisor Jon Messick also congratulated the owners, noting the opening carried personal significance.

“I’ve known you girls since you were little and were still singing at church,” Messick said. “So it’s just a personally great thing for me as well. I just wanted to say congratulations.”

Sofia Williams said the shop plans to offer a variety of flavors, including seasonal options, and welcomed customers to suggest future flavors.

Yogi Shack is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.