Clear Optometry
138 E 3rd Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 348-8818

Often times, miscommunication is the primary cause of a broken friendship. Communication is also vital in the restaurant business. As a restaurant consultant, I roam the streets daily talking to restaurant owners and learning about trends.

Walking allong restaurant row in downtown San Mateo, I had a heightened sense of curiosity each time I pass by Clear Optometry, a charming optometry that noticeably also sold frozen yogurt. I was confused about the concept. Similar to Sherlock Holmes searching for answers, I decided to interview the owner and quench my curiosity.

Ambiance.Clearly, the minimalist design is both refreshing and displays great details. High ceiling walls amplify a sense of luxury that pairs well with the Gucci and Fred glasses.

With a friendly smile, owner Katherine Lok Chan, O.D. decided to accept my interview and reveal more about her concept.

3 Primary Bullets

1) Refresh bar. Katherine’s primary business is optometry. She pampers her clients when they receive an eye examination or purchase glasses. They are treated with a cup for frozen yogurt. Growing up in Los Angeles, she is trying to introduce the Refresh Bar concept to the people of San Mateo.

2) Frozen Yogurt.Starting with a small cup at $3.75, the frozen yogurt comes in three flavor: original, lychee, or swirl. All the fruits are cut daily and the best ingredients are the 8 mochi flavors. Chewy and sweet raspberry mochi pairs so well with the frozen yogurt. The full bodied frozen yogurt is slightly less tart than Red Mango but delivers a clean after taste. Grab your dessert and cozy up in the lounge area with square ottomans. Contrasting the cold dessert, treat yourself with a large selection of teas.

3) Business concept.After graduating from optometry school at UC Berkeley, Katherine began her entrepreneur adventure by opening her own location. She is ambitious and friendly at the same time. But her business innovation amazes me. She is a full solution provider. Kids can play in the children’s room while the mommy gets her eyes examined. Daddy can pick out his next pair of designer glasses. Complimentary frozen yogurt rounds out the experience.

Just next door, Quickly serves frozen yogurt for $.59. With Yogurtouille right in the rear mirror, competition will be though as more frozen yogurt eatery will open in San Mateo. Frozen Yogurt eateries will continue to grow since the amount to enter the “game” is not too expensive. With around $350,000 restaurateur will be able to start a business, similar to the cost of a Subway franchise.