Mix & Go FroYo will open in the former Ruffell Family Jewellers site next week.

Marketing manager Mark Jakson said the company, which started in Geelong two years ago, had undergone a rapid expansion.

“We have three stores in Geelong,” he said.

“We’ve got Bendigo opening next week with an official opening on Friday.

“We liked the location and thought there was a similar setup to Geelong.

“There’s obviously a high population and we think it would create a lot of business.”

Mr Jakson said a franchise would also open in Moonee Ponds with further expansion plans.

“We’re very careful in choosing our locations,” he said.

“It is a high-growth model and we also aim to stay in touch with our competitors, who are mostly international franchises.

“There is some risk in growing at the pace we’re growing at, but it’s very well managed.”

The business, which was started by Matt Day, plans to have about 16 stores operating by the end of the year.

There are also plans to expand the company into China and New Zealand.

According to Mr Jakson, the idea for the business came about three years ago.

“Matt Day, the founder of the company, went over to America and noticed everyone around him was eating frozen yogurt instead of ice cream,” he said.

“He brought it back here and got it up and running.”

The Bendigo store will employ about 10 staff, with customers to use self-serve.

Mr Jakson said it had cost $120,000 to open the new franchise, which will be run by Julie Svensen and Michelle Day

“We’ve got about 40 to 50 staff across the company now,” he said.

“There will be about 150 across all stores by the end of the year.”

Ruffell Family Jewellers director Martin Ruffell said in September 2012 a lack of shoppers in Hargreaves Mall and online sales had forced the business to move from the premises.