With eight flavors and tons of toppings, Berry Fresh’s Oakland location has guests lined up out the door and wrapped around the building each night, awaiting delicious cups of frozen yogurt.
Berry Fresh’s original Pittsburgh location is on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill. Berry Fresh II is located on S. Craig Street, nestled between Pitt and Carnegie Mellon University. Since Berry Fresh II opened in February 2026, it’s been a hit with a wide student audience.
James Am, owner of both Berry Fresh locations, said it used to be called “Razzy Fresh,” until the original owner moved to Los Angeles. The name Berry Fresh stuck with Am, since more than half the flavors on the menu are fruit-based, along with a number of toppings.
“We try to keep our fruit fresh all the time,” Am said. “Since we offer selections like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, I thought ‘oh, “Berry Fresh”!’ Almost everyday for 10 years, we go shopping to buy fresh fruit in the morning.”
Since 2016, when the original Berry Fresh opened, it’s been popular in the Pittsburgh region, with a strong 4.7/5 star rating on Yelp. Am believes Berry Fresh stands out as a business because of his team’s efforts to keep their shops thriving.
“We just hope to keep everything fresh in our store all the time, eventually offer more flavors for our customers, on both our seasonal and daily menus, and also give them the best service when they visit our shops,” Am said.
Vivian Adams, a sophomore biology major, vouches for their business because of their fresh fruit. The loyalty punch cards, however, are what keeps Adams coming back.
“They have fresh fruit — it’s literally my one source of fruit,” Adams said. “Fruit is always so expensive from the markets around campus. It’s also just as exciting to be able to punch the card knowing one day you’ll get a free one.”
Am said he’s received positive feedback from customers about the punch cards.
“We’ve been using the punch cards since we opened the store,” Am said. “It’s like a reward for customer loyalty — buy eight cups and get a 10oz cup for free. So many customers love our punch card.”
Many students, like junior Italian language major Brooke Zimmerman, appreciate the store’s convenience. They’re often open late, allowing customers to stop by any time. Berry Fresh II is open from noon to 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
“I think it’s a really good community spot and open pretty late, so most of us can go there after class and work,” Zimmerman said.
AJ Mitchell, a sophomore computer science major, said though the options at Berry Fresh may be limited compared to other frozen yogurt shops he’s visited, it has “great quality.”
“The yogurt options are really good,” Mitchell said. “There’s also no froyo [shops] anymore, and I’m always craving it. To have [Berry Fresh] right on campus, I feel right at home.”
Though the shop opened in the winter, customers were not deterred. Students like Asha Ranganath, a sophomore neuroscience major, journeyed through the freezing weather to get their fix of froyo.
“I just love frozen yogurt, even if it’s cold outside. I don’t care if it’s fall or winter — I come here year-round,” Ranganath said. “The line appears to be long looking, but it goes by surprisingly quickly. Plus, when I wait in line, I’m usually with friends and get to chat with everyone. It’s nice.”
Berry Fresh is known for its easily accessible locations and fair pricing by students. Cailin McMichael, a sophomore anthropology major, enjoys the Berry Fresh for its low prices.
“It’s cheap, really easy to do, too. You want a sweet treat? Berry Fresh is delicious and so yummy,” McMichael said. “Everytime I’ve been here, I get a little bit of everything and still end up with a cheap and heaping bowl.”
Gabe Pidro, a sophomore biochemistry major, admires Berry Fresh for the little things they bring to their brand — including its prices, cups and variety of toppings.
“I’ve been here a lot, [and] I’m a big fan of this place,” Pidro said. “It’s a lot cheaper than most froyo places around, and though limited, their selection of yogurt is very good and the toppings are fire — especially the mochi. The cups are also so cute.”
Kristen Awakuni, a sophomore accounting and global management major, said she discovered Berry Fresh II after trying the original Berry Fresh in Squirrel Hill.
“Then one night, my friend and I were walking on South Craig Street and saw the long line,” Awakuni said. “I said ‘Oh my god this is the exact same one. We need to go,’ and it turned out to be the same awesome quality. It’s just really nice to have it so convenient to both campuses nearby.”
Berry Fresh lovers may be getting a new experience soon. In an interview with The Pitt News, Am hinted there may be a “fresh” addition in the near future.
“Next year, we’re thinking of renovating another space near the Berry Fresh II store with a bakery, waffles and fresh bread, but no final decisions have been made yet,” Am said.