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Ipek said she was looking for something different to do when she bought Englewood’s Is-A-Berry over a year ago. She had been a hairdresser in Holland for many years but, after coming to the U.S. and raising her children, she was looking for something where she could have flexibility – and be her own boss. “Going from housewife back into the workforce isn’t always so easy with three kids,” she said.
The store, in existence for five years, had previously only sold frozen yogurt. Ipek added “Café” to the name, brought in pastries, Basssetts’ hard ice cream, fresh crepes, macaroons and coffee, and made sure everything was certified kosher.
Frozen yogurt remains the heart of her business but crepes – especially the strawberry banana, made with Nutella, the s’mores (marshmallow fluff, nutella, graham crackers) and the Oreo lovers (crushed Oreos, crunchcake and marshmallow fluff) – rank among the favorites.
The store is open ll a.m. to ll p.m. seven days a week though often closes at l0 p.m. in the winter.
Ipek said the challenge was in getting the store revamped to be top to bottom kosher, as well as letting folks know Is- a-Berry is more than just frozen yogurt. Her goal, she said, was to have something to offer everyone. “Not all kids like frozen yogurt which is why I brought in ice cream and crepes,” she said.
“Now that I’ve done all that, “I’m finished.”
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