The North Babylon Red Mango, which had its grand opening Saturday, is St. James resident Samantha Goldsmith’s seventh franchise location. Even more impressive than the businesswoman’s success, is her age. At 24 years old, Goldsmith is the frozen yogurt brand’s largest multi-unit owner.
Goldsmith was introduced to the company in 2010, then age 22. “My dad and I went to a franchise show in New Jersey and loved the way Red Mango’s concept and design looked, but once I tried it, I was hooked,” she said.
The young entrepreneur opened her first Red Mango franchise that September in Smithtown. Eighteen months later, Goldsmith opened number seven at Sunset Plaza in North Babylon.
“I decided to make North Babylon my seventh location for a few reasons: it’s by schools which a big chunk of our demographic. Kids can have an after school snack that’s healthy and good for them,” she said.
Her other locations include Huntington, Hauppauge, Plainview, Greenvale and Manhasset.
The North Babylon location is prime real estate for Red Mango, since the shopping center also has hair, nail and tanning salons, which typically share the same clientele the frozen yogurt shop, Goldsmith said. It also helps to be along the busiest road in the area. “DPA is a main road with a lot of traffic and many people drive by and see Red Mango,” she said.
Other frozen yogurt brands have picked up on the area’s business potential as well. opened on Commack Road in Deer Park last year, and , which has locations throughout Long Island, is moving into new Deer Park Avenue digs soon. While the area has officially entered into the fro-yo craze, Goldsmith says she’s not worried about competition.
"It’s such a healthy brand and I always believe that the best man wins. We will have the best customer service possible and we value our customers greatly,” she said.
Dan Kim, founder and chief concept officer of Red Mango, was at the grand opening on Saturday. “I am truly amazed with Samantha for what she has done in such a short time of being a franchise owner with Red Mango and not to mention at such a young age, she is an inspiration,” he said.
So what’s next for the blossoming businesswoman?
Goldsmith said she plans to have at least 10 locations under her belt and hopes to open at three more stores within the next few years.
“I couldn’t be happier to be doing what I love and seeing others fall in love with the flavorful pleasure that is Red Mango,” she said.
