A surprise on the local froyo scene after Sweet Frog suddenly closed its longtime Ashbrook Commons location. The store shut its doors unexpectedly earlier this week.
The center is near the intersection of Ashburn Village Boulevard and Route 7, anchored by a Harris Teeter and home to a Jersey Mike’s and the Ashburn Village Inn among many other tenants.
The Sweet Frog had been there for more than 10 years. Recently, The Burn reported that the Sweet Frog was moving to a different location a few doors down.
But apparently those plans are no more. A sign posted to the door says the decision to close was based on a rent increase and goes on to thank its loyal customers over the years.
Inside the store, most of the furniture and fixtures have been cleared out and the yogurt dispensing machines are gone too.
Meanwhile, the landlord at Ashbrook Commons — a company called AmCap — says what’s posted on the door is not accurate. They provided The Burn with a statement from Brooke Stevens, the Director of Leasing.
“AmCap takes pride in cultivating mutually beneficial and positive partnerships with our Tenants, whom we respect, value and appreciate. The accuracy of the statement made against AmCap is incorrect and disappointing as we strive to be fair and operate as a best in class organization,” the statement read. “We wish Sweet Frog the very best as they pursue future business endeavors outside of Virginia. Ashbrook Commons is currently undergoing a major refresh and investment by landlord to enhance the experience and provide an inviting, first-class environment for our tenants and the Ashburn community. We look forward to providing new opportunities for businesses and residents of Ashburn.”
No word yet on what new tenant will take the Sweet Frog spot. The landlord had already been marketing the space in anticipation of Sweet Frog moving, so perhaps a new business will land there quickly.
Ashbrook Commons as a whole — the entire shopping center — is in the middle of a major facelift with a new paint job and new decor and accent features to modernize the property.