Video: Long Lines at Pinkberry's Grand Opening

The rain didn't put a damper on the crowd that turned out try frozen yogurt yesterday at Friday night.

The chain celebrated a grand opening of its first store in Rhode Island and a huge crowd came out to try the popular and trendy frozen yogurt.

"It's good," said Marguerite Simpson, a Warwick resident, who was one of the first customers through the door. "It's sweet, and salty, but it's smooth."

Scott Green, a partner in the business with his son-in-law, Brian Galvin, said Brian used to run a Ben and Jerry's franchise and they thought Pinkberry offered a compelling and unique product. He said they're proud to bring the Pinkberry brand to Rhode Island and appreciated people waiting in long lines in the rain to try it out.

"It's a healthy alternative to ice cream," Green said. "You can eat it for breakfast. You can eat it any time of day."

A security detail was on hand to manage the huge crowd, which spilled out into the parking lot and into a VIP tent with dance music, champagne and special guests mixing together — much like the sweet, tangy and tart flavors inside the shop.

Six flavors will be served in Cranston: the signature Original flavor, a sweet and tangy yogurt with a refreshing finish; a rich, indulgent Chocolate; Coconut, smooth and subtle, made with real coconut puree for a fresh and cool finish; Mango, a fruity and light flavor made with authentic Alphonso mango puree; Watermelon, a crisp and refreshing summertime favorite and Salted Caramel, a seasonal flavor that is the perfect blend of salty and sweet.

The yogurt can be customized with a variety of toppings including organic gummy bears, granola, pomegranate juice or Belgian chocolate shavings. 

The chain has been growing rapidly since its launch in 2005 in West Hollywood, Calif. They now bill themselves as the "number one tart frozen yogurt brand" and claims their product offers a "one-of-a-kind frozen yogurt experience."

Pinkberry yogurt is a departure from traditional frozen yogurt in that it's not just sweet. The product combines sweet, tangy and tart flavors. The company gained notoriety in southern California as celebrities were often photographed eating Pinkberry by paparazzi.

To keep tabs on Rhode Island happening, the company suggests readers sign up to be a Pinkberry Groupie at www.pinkberry.com/groupies. The brand can also be found, and will be active on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pinkberry) and Twitter (@pinkberryswirl).