Business Spotlight: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt

By Mia Freneaux

Travis Hood got more than he bargained for when he went on a mission trip 2 years ago.  While on the trip, he tasted Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt for the first time, and was so taken with the treat that he returned home and bought his first franchise.   Opened in 2009 in Hammond, it was an instant success, which encouraged Travis to open his second Menchie’s here in Central at the end of February.  Travis brought his franchise to Central because the town is growing so quickly.  When he heard that Jeff Couvillion was building The Quarters at Central Square, he contacted him and arranged to open in the new complex.  His business acumen is impressive – Travis is a 22 year old LSU student majoring in Business Management who plans on getting his MBA when he graduates.

Menchie’s is a national chain that originated in Los Angeles and has now grown to over 60 franchises.  Known for its healthful properties, Menchie’s frozen yogurt is always either lowfat or non-fat.  They also serve a non-dairy version, along with sugar free and sugar free, low carb.  The parlor offers 14 flavors at a time, rotating through a list of over 100 in all.  Favorite flavors include Cake Batter, New York Cheesecake, and Dolce de Leche.  Hawaiian Delight Sorbet is also a popular dairy free flavor.  Once you have selected your flavor, you fill your cup with as much as you wish, then choose from over 50 toppings!  Dry toppings include granola, different types of candy bits, and crushed cookies.  18 different Cold Toppings include 4 to 5 kinds of fruit such as strawberry, pineapple, mango, or cantaloupe.  For the not-so-health-minded, Menchie’s offers brownie bites and Hot Marshmallow Crème.   Your cup is then weighed and the total calculated.  At $0.43/ounce, it’s a real bargain.  You can sit inside at one of their parlor-style tables, or enjoy the fresh air on their outdoor patio.  It’s a guilt free way to eat something delicious that’s good for you as well. 

Menchie’s will be open for business at the end of February, with a Grand Opening planned for March 26^th.  They are currently accepting applications for employment online at www.menchies.com.