By Kristin Rover
Sun staff
Batavia Township Trustees recognized the owners of Sweet Frog Yogurt during their Jan. 6 board meeting and thanked them for their contributions to the community.
Administrator Rex Parsons said a few years ago, Kenny and Patty Beard decided they wanted to have a business of their own and bought into the Sweet Frog Yogurt franchise.
Parsons said they opened their first location in Eastgate and will soon open their second location in Pierce Township.
He said even though Kenny and Patty Beard don’t have a location in Batavia Township, they are township residents, and have used their business to give back.
“They are really running with it,” Parsons said. “They are a valuable part of the community not only as a business but also residents.”
Parsons said the Beards have donated yogurt on several occasions for events going on in the township including a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new playground, and the shop with a sheriff event. They have also participated in fundraisers throughout the community and charity events.
“They have really become a part of the community,” Parsons said.
Leah Mendenhall, the Beard’s daughter, said her parents really wanted to get into a line of work where they could not only make money but also give back and be involved in the community.
She said her parents are always thinking of things they can do.
“It’s not only a business,” Mendenhall said. “They are reaching out.”
Trustees presented the Beard’s with a plaque during the meeting.
Kenny and Patty Beard thanked trustees for the recognition.
“It was overwhelming, I had no idea,” Beard said about being recognized. “We just felt honored.”
Patty Beard said they first had the idea to open a frozen yogurt shop after they saw one while they were on a tornado relief mission trip.
The Beard’s Sweet Frog Yogurt Eastgate store is located at 4450 Eastgate Boulevard South, in the Jungle Jim’s shopping center. Their second location will be located at 1227 West Ohio Pike in Pierce Township. Patty Beard said they are planning for the second location to open in March or April.