Menchie's Celebrating Grand Opening All Weekend

What started as a love story and a mishap nickname, Menchie's franchise is now open in our backyard. Celebrating its grand opening the weekend of Aug. 12-14, Val and Bob Wilson are the franchise owners of the 91st Menchie's franchise  in Winthrop Town Center at 6046 Winthrop Town Center Ave, Riverview.

Originally from Maine, the Wilsons came to the area seven years ago. The spent five years in the Fishhawk area and the past two in Apollo Beach.

Friday morning began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by members of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce. After that, the celebration continued throughout the day.

Quickly snagging a minute to discuss the business and why they chose Menchie's, the Wilsons say they are very pleased with their decision. 

"I knew I wanted to run a franchise," said Bob, who grew up in the food industry, "and Menchie's happen to be it."

After first encountering Menchie's on a trip to visit the grandchildren in Ohio, the Wilsons quickly fell in love with the concept of creating your own frozen yogurt favorite and the playful atmosphere the store provides. Menchie's features bright pink and green as its main colors with the Menchie mascot. 

The name itself came from the franchise founders, Adam and Danna Caldwell, whose first date was in a yogurt shop. Adam came up with the endearing nickname of "Menchie" for Danna because he thought it meant "blessing." Mensch is actually a Yiddish word meaning "a good person," according to Wikipedia. They opened their first yogurt shop in 2007.

The concept of Menchie's is fairly simple. You walk in and instantly feel like a kid again. Next, pick a cup and flavor or flavors of yogurt and dispense it yourself. If you'd like to try a flavor first...try as many as you'd like. After picking your favorite (s), add as many or as much topping as you prefer. After you choose your favorite array, take your creation to the counter and pay. The price is 44 cents per ounce, not topping.

An added benefit of Menchie's is the My Smileage program, its reward program. You can sign up for My Smileage at the store or online at www.menchies.com. If you sign up or register your card online, you instantly earn 25 free smiles. Once your card reaches 50 smiles, you earn $5 in Menchie's Money to use within the store.

You can still join the celebration at Menchie's this weekend. The grand opening is continuing Saturday and Sunday. If you happen to be one of the first 15 customers either day, you receive a special gift bag. There also will be face painting, arts and crafts, and raffle drawings.

Val happens to be a survivor of cancer and does not take that for granted. Keeping with the Menchie's mentality, Val and Bob will be partnering with Symmes Elementary, Winthrop Charter School and other organizations to help bring awareness to their cause or raise money for the school or charity. 

"We are proud to give back to the community that is visiting us" said Bob.

Menchie's will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.