Former Tulsa Police Officer Opening Yogurt Bar

By Craig Day, The News On 6

BROKEN ARROW, OK -- The uncertainty surrounding Tulsa's budget situation, combined with police layoffs, prompted one Tulsa officer to make a dramatic career switch. 

She once served up justice, now she's serving something totally different. 

For six years, Robyn Jones lived out her dream of being a police officer.

"It was something I always wanted to do," said Jones. "And I loved every minute of it."

But Tulsa's severe budget crisis led to layoffs of many of her fellow officers.

"That's when I started kind of panicking thinking, ‘oh my gosh, I could lose my job,'" Jones said.

Jones wasn't let go, but was still uncertain about what the future could hold. With a husband on the force and five kids at home, she made a career switch.

"I was a Tulsa Police Officer and now I own Cherry Berry," said Jones.

Jones will be opening her new business: the Cherry Berry Self Serve Yogurt Bar.

"Tomorrow (Saturday) our dream comes true," said Jones.

There are 12 flavors and 50 toppings to choose from. It's a total 180 from police work.

"We were like, what a cool concept. We should bring that to Tulsa," said Jones.

So she's doing it, trading the worries of police work for a different set of concerns:

"I hope I don't get shot today."

"Now I worry about keeping the yogurt machine full."

"I hope I don't have to fight somebody today."

"All of the toppings topped."

"I hope I go home today."

"Making sure that our products are quality products and that people are pleased."

Now the adrenaline rush of doing police work, is replaced by the sugar rush of all the toppings and the thrill of doing her own thing -- a sweet retreat from budgets and layoffs, and not knowing about job security.

"I'm no longer with the Tulsa Police Department so this is my paycheck, so I've got to make sure this is successful," Jones said.

Jones hopes to ultimately have several of the Cherry Berry Self Serve Yogurt Bar's across the area. She knows she'll miss police work, so Jones is also considering serving as a reserve officer in the future.

The Cherry Berry Self Serve Yogurt Bar is located at 1340 East Hillside Drive in Broken Arrow, near the new Target.