When you walk through the doors of Yogi’s Pud’n, you’re greeted with more than just dessert — you’re stepping into a story. One built on love, resilience, creativity, and community. At 2302 52nd Street in Kenosha, owner Yolonda “Yogi” Blair has transformed a local landmark into a vibrant, joy-filled dessert destination that is already drawing visitors from across the region — and far beyond. But Yogi’s journey didn’t begin in a storefront. It began in a kitchen, with a bowl of banana pudding and a dream.
Yogi:
Yogi’s Pud’n is a must-visit because it’s not just dessert — it’s an experience. You don’t just taste it… you feel it.
How The Journey Began
Years ago, Yogi spent three years perfecting a banana pudding recipe loved by her ex-husband, Shon. When she remarried her late husband, Terrence “Prune” Blair, the couple began selling pudding to fund their vacations. What happened next told Yogi everything she needed to know.
“People would be lined up outside my house at 5 a.m. waiting for a bowl,” she remembers. “That’s when I knew this was bigger than a recipe.”
The early days were filled with laughter, late-night mixing sessions, and long delivery routes throughout Racine (Kenosha’s neighbor to the north) — moments with Prune that became the foundation of her brand.
And in time, the hobby that started as a way to pay for getaways became something much bigger: a community phenomenon.
What began in a kitchen soon expanded into the Mobile Pud’n Bowltique — a refurbished farmers market trailer turned into a New York–style lobby on wheels. Yogi brought her flavors to fairs, festivals, storefronts, sidewalks, and neighborhoods, always gathering a crowd.
From there, her creativity soared. She opened her first brick-and-mortar shop in Uptown Racine — a playful mix of “bowl” and “boutique” — and began placing her puddings in grocery stores and independent shops around Racine and Kenosha.
But her biggest chapter was still to come.
Opening Kenosha Storefront
Following the loss of her husband Terrence “Prune” Blair, Yogi partnered with Jose Vasquez — her longtime business mentor — and Dino Katris, who saw the potential in a historic building at 2302 52nd Street. The location, once home to Mac’s Deli, had been a cherished part of Kenosha’s landscape.
“I didn’t know the history of the building,” Yogi says. “What I saw was a place that needed to be brought back to life — and that’s exactly what we did.” But she made sure a piece of Kenosha history remained: she insisted that the wrought-iron gate reading “Mac’s Deli” stay. That blend of new energy and preserved memory is part of what makes the shop so special — and why locals have embraced it from day one.
“The response has been beautiful,” Yogi says. “People are excited to see that corner alive again — and even more excited that Yogi’s Pud’n is the one bringing it back.”
Step inside Yogi’s Pud’n and you instantly feel it — the music, the colors, the energy.
“I want people to vibe,” Yogi says. “Feel welcomed, excited, energized. It should be a whole mood.”
Flavorful Place
The shop has quickly become a gathering place for both locals and out-of-towners who’ve heard the buzz. Visitors travel from Chicago, Milwaukee, and even out of state to try Yogi’s now-iconic flavors. And with over 100 creative pudding combinations, her menu might be one of the most imaginative in the Midwest. (The flavors rotate.)
Some standouts?
- Please Me Peach Cobbler Pud’n — “a whole personality in a bowl”
- Cookie Monster — Oreo, Chips Ahoy, Nilla Wafers, and blue velvet cake
- The deeply personal Candy Cane Peppermint Pud’n, named for and inspired by Prune
Yogi pulls inspiration from trends, community requests, and plain old curiosity — although she’s the first to admit not every experiment is a winner. “Chicken and Waffle Pud’n was an epic fail,” she laughs. “Lesson learned.”
The Vision
Yogi envisions her shop as more than a dessert stop. She sees it as a home for connection — karaoke nights, kids’ events, pop-ups, tasting flights, meetups, and game nights. A place where strangers become regulars and regulars become family.
Her heart for the community runs deep. Through her projects, mentorship, youth programs, and passion for uplifting others, she’s determined to make Yogi’s Pud’n a force for good in both Kenosha and Racine. “People show up here,” she says. “These cities root for their own.”
Every bowl of pudding is a tribute — to creativity, to joy, and to the memory of Prune (her late husband). “His belief in me kept me going,” Yogi shares. “Continuing this meant continuing his legacy.” And that legacy is growing fast.
In the coming years, Yogi envisions more shops, more manufacturing, national retail partnerships, and taking Yogi’s Pud’n from a regional treasure to a household name.
“It feels surreal and beautiful,” she says. “Like watching a dream unfold in real time.”
Yogi’s Pud’n is more than a pudding shop. It’s a story of perseverance, transformation, community, and heart. It’s a celebration of creativity and connection — and a reminder that even the simplest comfort food can carry immeasurable meaning.
Or in Yogi’s own words:
Yogi’s Pud’n was built on love, loss, creativity, and community. When you support us, you’re tasting a piece of my story.
Whether you’re a Kenosha local or exploring our city for the first time, add Yogi’s Pud’n to your must-visit list. You’ll leave with a smile, a memory — and probably a new favorite flavor.
From a simple homemade recipe to a beloved new addition to Kenosha’s food scene, Yogi’s Pud’n is proof that passion, perseverance, and community can create something unforgettable. This shop has quickly become a must-stop for both locals and visitors, offering not just dessert — but connection, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.
Yolonda “Yogi” Blair is more than a business owner; she’s a true key to the community, lighting up Kenosha with flavor, joy, and authentic storytelling. We hope you enjoyed getting to know her through this interview — and that your next visit to 52nd Street includes a bowl (or flight!) of her incredible Pud’n.
If you’re planning your trip to Kenosha and Yogi's Pud'n, here are Yogi’s top insider tips:
Top 3 Things You Shouldn’t Miss:
1. Ask for the secret pop-up flavor — there’s always an off-menu surprise.
2. Try a 4-Play Flight to sample multiple flavors at once.
3. Say the weekly code word — you might just earn a special perk.
Visit Yogi’s Pud’n:
2302 52nd Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 577-9644
