Tasti D is bloggin', press releasin', diversifyin'

The folks at Tasti sent over some interesting news updates to me this weekend.

1) Through franchising.com, Tasti released a press release, more formally encouraging new franchisers to help them build their 500-center franchise in five years. The release is in line with the franchising strategy previously discussed on Tasti D-Lited. The release focuses on the experience of the managerial team, the devotion of the consumers (like yours truly), and the health benefits. They continue to use "dessert your guilt" as a tagline. The release continues the build up for the flagship store in NYC, which is opening in the next few months. Tasti D-Lited is planning on getting there for opening day, but we'll see how the timing works out. On a more personal note, the new franchising plan has affected me quite greatly--the licensor of the New Haven location still hasn't decided whether or not to renew and thus still hasn't opened.

2) Tasti D-Lited officially isn't the only Tasti D-Lite blog online! Tasti D-Lite has started an official blog, which has minimal unimpressive content so far, but should be utilized more in the future. Interestingly, it's hosted on Xanga rather than on tastidlite.com. I'd imagine they'll make the switch over relatively soon, as they continue to rollout new features on their new website.


3) Speaking of new features on their website, you may notice some updates on tastidlite.com. We previously made fun of some of the silly images rotating on the homepage. The girl with the crazy eyes is still there (thank god!), but they replaced the out-of-place beach frolickers with an image of some whipped cream and a smoothie. Interesting to note the prominent placement of the relatively unpopular smoothies--I've yet to try one, but will now. This new smoothie emphasis is reflected in the updated Tasti Treats section as well. It is now broken into "classic d-lite menu," "smoothie d-lite menu," and "d-lite to go menu." The smoothie menu is the most interesting and includes Asian-inspired names for their smoothies and shakes. Sundaes are also featured.Tasti appears to be (smartly) diversifying its menu, beginning to take on Jamba Juice with this new menu. The To Go menu focuses on cakes and special treats, which is yet another branch off from the core frozen dessert offering. And, of course, the classic menu is the one we already know and love. In any case, it's increasingly interesting to see Tasti shape its strategy as it begins its quest to expand across the country. This first update is a good sign of things to come.