GILBERT, AZ (AZFamily) — For Trevor and Rilla Glauser, turning their passion for yogurt into a full-time business took a decade of hard work and dedication. Today, they proudly run Culture Clash Greek Yogurt in Gilbert, a local yogurt bar that features an array of handmade Greek yogurt flavors, acai bowls, and locally sourced products.
The Glausers’ journey into the yogurt business was inspired by Trevor’s lifelong love of the treat. Growing up, he was introduced to yogurt during his family’s travels in Europe. His fascination deepened when his mother bought a yogurt maker at a garage sale when he was 13. His enthusiasm for making yogurt at home soon took root.
Years later, Trevor met Rilla, who shared his passion for yogurt, and their dream of opening a yogurt shop began to take shape. “During my pregnancy, all I wanted was yogurt and fruit. So, we started making it at home, and eventually, we sold our house in downtown Phoenix to pursue the idea full-time,” Rilla recalled.
Determined to bring something unique to Arizona, the Glausers opened Culture Clash Greek Yogurt in Gilbert. Unlike typical store-bought varieties, their yogurt is made with local pasteurized cow’s milk, which is carefully pasteurized again and hand-strained to create a rich, custard-like consistency.
Greek-style yogurt is Trevor’s personal favorite, and he ensures the process includes hand-straining to achieve the yogurt’s signature thick texture. The shop rotates through a dozen flavors weekly, with seasonal varieties like blueberry lemon, pineapple with orange and guava, and honey date. Their espresso custard crème brûlée is a top seller.
At Culture Clash, customers can customize their yogurt cups with as many toppings as they like, ranging from fresh fruit curd to granola. Prices vary based on the cup size, from $6 to $14.25. “A lot of people come in and don’t realize that it’s not another frozen yogurt shop. Once they try it, they’re hooked,” Trevor said.
Though the shop has been open for five years near Ray Road and Val Vista Drive, the Glausers are perhaps best known for their regular presence at four farmers markets each weekend: Uptown Phoenix, Downtown Phoenix, Old Town Scottsdale, and Gilbert. These markets have played a crucial role in growing their business, allowing them to meet other small business owners and offer their locally sourced products in-store.
“We like supporting other small businesses,” Trevor explained. “We carry raw milk from a family farm in Willcox, Arizona, as well as fresh eggs and pickles from the Heartquist family, who are good friends of ours.”
Rilla added, “We’d like to be a place in Gilbert where, even when the farmers market’s not happening, you can still find these local products at our shop.”
The Glausers’ commitment to community is evident, with raw milk and locally made sourdough bread—sold out every Wednesday—among the shop’s popular offerings. Culture Clash Greek Yogurt is truly a family-run business, with Rilla helping to manage the store, their son enjoying the yogurt, and Trevor’s parents contributing by hand-painting the shop’s floor.
Trevor’s mother even helped come up with the name “Culture Clash,” which reflects the fusion of flavors and influences in their yogurt creations.
“We’ve been so lucky to be embraced by the community, and we want to continue being a part of that moving forward,” Rilla said.
As they continue to innovate, the Glausers are experimenting with new items, including yogurt popsicles, yogurt bread, and probiotic soda. These future products will help reduce waste from their yogurt-making process, like the whey that remains after straining.
For the Glausers, every day is an opportunity to blend their love of yogurt with a commitment to their community, making Culture Clash Greek Yogurt a true local gem.
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